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So, I bought a Contour HD video camera the other day, and I've been struggling to get it set up correctly.

Let me preface by saying I *think* the main problem is that my desktop PC is just too old and slow, and that's causing my problem(s).

I am able to operate the camera just fine, but when I try to playback a video on my desktop, it's VERY choppy, and loses a bunch of the video during playback- and the audio doesn't keep up with the video. I tried playing back thru the camera via the supplied USB cable, and I tried playing back directly off of the MicroSD card that came with the camera- just sticking that in the card reader on the front panel of my CPU.


I've been in contact with tech support, and the specs they give me for the proper playback of HD video seem to be a good deal higher than what I've got. I will be darned if I'm going to buy a new PC because of this.

They recommended a no-frills video player called VLC from here : http://www.videolan.org/vlc

I tried that, but it's not any better than using Quicktime.

The video is automatically saved in .mov format.


I tried making a video at the lowest resolution, but it didn't help.


Anyone got any bits of wisdom? As you can tell, I'm not the most tech-saavy guy, but I like to think I can figure stuff out when it comes down to it......

Even if it doesn't playback, you can just try uploading it to YouTube and see what happens. I assume your PC is fast enough that you can view YouTube stuff, right? I'm guessing so, since YouTube compresses the hell out of it. So upload it, and see if it plays back fine that way. If so, well, your camera is fine and you DO need a new PC. My bet is that's the case.

I've got a new Contour HD GPS and it's worked great.


--Donnie

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I'm not sure if the camera has a video out or not, but if so you might be able to connect directly to your HDTV. As for your computer, it's probably too old. Be sure to copy the file to the hard drive first and then try to play it.

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run the task manager during video playback, that will show cpu utilization. if its pegged then the cpu is the limitation. it's possible that a better (or just different) video card will support decoding of the video stream in hardware, that will enable smooth playback with almost no cpu time. cheaper than buying a new computer.

Thanks guys.

I'll try to upload something to Youtube and see what happens. I'm thinking my PC is the problem, but maybe a new(er) video card will help (thanks Jason).



I'll update once I figure something out.

Processor. My P4HT desktop (ca 2002) can't play my gopro vids worth a damn, even on the R1 quality (lowest).

But my work laptop (2.0GHz core duo) and my netbook (1.2GHz Core 2 vPro) play them very well.

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uploaded it to youtube and it plays fine.

Guess the next step is to try a better video card- or buy a new desktop PC......