Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Audio & Video Software

May 4, 2015 10:41PM PDT

I have an HP Pavillion P6823w desktop running Win 7 Home Premium Service Pack 1 and had to have a system recovery done on my computer.
I was using Cyberlink's Power Director to edit my JVC camcorder footage, but after the recovery it won't allow me to edit the audio portion of the footage, it is greyed out.
I have been corresponding with Cyberlink's techs and they suggest an upgrade to a higher version of PD.
I also had Sothink video editing download on my computer but don't see it as a download here.
Is there a free download that would allow me to edit the audio as well as video? There is wind noise that I want to remove and just all around trimming as you are able to do with the video.
Thanks

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
Re: softlink
May 4, 2015 11:38PM PDT

If Cyberlink's software worked when your PC was new, it should work after a system recovery back to factory conditions. So it might be time to contact HP's customer service and ask why it doesn't work (assuming you did the system recovery according to HP's instructions, of course).

Anyway, sothink on /www.sothink.com/ doesn't seem to have a video editor anymore. That's why it makes sense to make a backup copy of the installer program of all software you downloaded and installed (and the license key). Then you can always install it again, if you can't find it anymore on the web (of course, it's better to install the latest version if there is one on the web). Just a tip.

I'll leave it to others to recommend software. But maybe you're happy with http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/test-centre/photo-video/3512375/14-best-free-video-editing-software-2015-uk/ already?

Kees

- Collapse -
Audiio & Video Software
May 5, 2015 9:27AM PDT

Yes, wish I'd have backed So Think up, didn't know to do that, I'm learning.
I'm going to give Lightworks a try and see if it will allow me to edit the audio.
Thanks.

- Collapse -
Answer
There are items beyond the editor.
May 5, 2015 12:48AM PDT

Microsoft Windows and many apps use the "Codec" system so if your audio track was encoded in some way that the current set of codecs don't handle, then the edit is greyed out.

MP3 for example requires a license to encode. The decoder is free. This area can be very hard on folk today as many have no regard for patents and licenses.

Try the Codecs item at Ninite. Here's why I use Ninite.
http://www.howtogeek.com/201354/ninite-is-the-only-safe-place-to-get-windows-freeware/

After the codec package install, a reboot is usually required.
Bob

- Collapse -
There are items beyond the editor. - New!
May 5, 2015 9:25AM PDT

Thank you for your reply. I downloaded Ninite, was the Codec system the K-lite?
If it was, after downloading it, went to PD and audio still greyed out.
Also, As the Ninite updates your programs, it won't upgrade to Win 8, would like to stay with Win 7?
Thanks so much for your help.

- Collapse -
Odd statements?
May 5, 2015 10:07AM PDT

I've yet to find anyone but Microsoft offer OS upgrades. After downloading I hope you ran the Ninite installer and let it install the apps. Also, I see I noted a reboot may be required.

You left out the details.
Bob

- Collapse -
Odd statements?
May 6, 2015 7:31AM PDT

I'm sorry I left out the details. It asked what Apps I was interested in, outside of choosing K lite the only one that mentioned Codec system. I also checked other apps that I have installed already. After it installed, it never mentioned rebooting the system.
Maybe, I missed a step? Sorry, still a novice in so many ways.

- Collapse -
No problem.
May 6, 2015 7:40AM PDT

I was confused about OS upgrades (that's not Ninite's thing yet.) And since only one item noted a codec I thought that was enough of a lead.

Yes, editing video is still a PITR and when folk get into it I have hopes they will catch up on codecs (mostly a windows thing.) Or just chuck it for a nice Apple video system.

As to reboot, I see I noted that and if you don't, your choice but some things don't take without that step. That's why I added it.

--> I'm seeing more folk think this aging system should always cough up a "Reboot" notice. Sorry, it's very old and the age is getting to it. Microsoft still thinks folk "should know."
Bob

- Collapse -
No Problem
May 6, 2015 7:46AM PDT

Thank you, I guess Microsoft doesn't know how technologically challenged, I am.
I see in my start up menu that K Lite is installed along with the other Apps I checked.
This may seem very bizarre to you, but now how do I find Ninite, there isn't a shortcut, does it just do its thing in the background, without any interference from me?
I appreciate your patience, don't think I'll ever rank as a computer techie!

- Collapse -
Ninite is one of our great finds for 2015.
May 6, 2015 11:31AM PDT

One stop installs without the crapware. Most if not all items install without any fuss. Let's hope they keep it that way.
Bob

- Collapse -
Ninite
May 6, 2015 12:29PM PDT

Thanks for all your help.