The MOV file is a quicktime format file. The ASF one is a microsoft media
file format.
I use Moviemaker because I like some of the effects and transitions it
provides, but when I do larger projects I usually use it to just add the
effects it provides, then export it to one of the other editors I use for
burning a DVD etc.
I have found the most popular format, that seems to be available to import
and export easily is the AVI format. I use the DV-AVI and usually NTSC
720x480 or 640x480 size and 29.97 or 30 cycle frame rate. Most of the other
editors also recognize the wmv format that moviemaker outputs. So I usually
put the clip in as avi and then output it as a wmv, then save the final
project, in another editor, as an avi file. If it is one my web site, that I
intend to use the file, I usually just leave it as wmv.
There are a couple of converter programs I have found online that work OK
but sometimes, something about the codec they use to convert the file
doesn't allow it to be recognized by Win MM. In those cases I usually try a
different
editor to reconvert the file to avi and import it into moviemaker.Most times
that has worked for me. I believe the editor was called ABC roll or something
like that ( Google search should find it). One thing I have found with these
freebies, is download the installer, update all antivirus software databses,
scan the installer file, then install and rescan scan the whole PC for both
adware , malware, and viruses. I once had a DJ software freeware that was a
problem ( I think the name was Krasoft) that appeared to do that, or else the
third party sites it made you register through did that. Once scanned and
adware and AV indications were removed it was clean and nice little program.)
Unfortunately, AUTO malicious softwrae removal doesn't detect that it had
been cleaned, and just trashed the program on me.
The ABC Roll editor is nice for applying a few effects(video filters) to clips
as well as making scrolling text titles that are large, rather than using
some of the more cumbersome titlers in other programs. In this one you just
write what you want into notepad or wordpad and copy and past it into the ABC
titler. It automatically sets your selected format and color and dumps out a
pretty decent avi clip. The advantage here is that you can make a nice
backround using the digital effects in you camera, then by using this you can
add a few more and change the overall color, then add the massive scrolling
text over top and save it as a introduction or end credit to your piece.
My suggestion would be for your clips is just to try other editors to do the
conversion to an avi then import these to moviemaker and see if you get
success with making a wmv version of that. Then add it to your final project
again and that hopefully solves it.
Here are a couple of links that might help re these two file types
ASF File Information
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/forpros/format/asfspec.aspx
ASF spec sheet
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=31334
MOV File Converter
http://www.videohelp.com/mov2avi.htm
If you got the MOV file from a friend with a MAC they may be avle to convert
it from the quicktime format to an avi file using the free (or included in
MAC OS package) iMovie program.
I like moviemaker, but find it pretty restrictive because of the file format
issues. I understand from AVID Technologies (professional video editor
company) web site information, that they bought out Pinnacle Studio and
alleged sold the core or gut editor package to Microsoft (Pinnacle vers 9)
then they re=released Pinnacle Studio vers 10 with an AVID core editor.
The version 9 wasn't too bad and if Redmond incorporates that into future
versions of movie maker, it would be a nice competitor to iMovie in my view;
as long as they don't try and sell it as a separate package, in which case it
can't be considered an even comparison to iMovie.
Hope this is more of a a help to you than the answers I have recieved on my
questions posted here.. Cheers
