Block artifacts while editing DivX video

[cybercat]

Hi, so basically I've started recording my videos in DivX (with DivX Pro codec 6.8) format (I was previously using Microsoft Video 1 at 100% quality, which makes rather large files). Anyway, I've run into a little problem, basically I can watch the (screen)recorded video and it looks perfect, 100% clean video. But once I import the video into Vegas (8) and start cutting it up, blocks and distortions start popping up that aren't even there in the original file. The screen recorder I'm using is called "AutoScreenRecorder 2.1".

Anyway, I suspect it has something to do with my keyframe settings, but I'm no expert on how codecs work, and I couldn't find a DivX codec manual (WTF DivX, why don't you include any help files with your software?)

The settings I used are:
- Unconstrained profile
- 1-pass @ 1500 kbps
- Insane quality
- SSE4 search disabled
- Multithreading unchecked
- Adaptive single consecutive bidirectional coding
- 300 frame keyframe interval
- 50% keyframe threshold
- No resizing
- Square pixels
- No noise reduction
- H.263 quantization
- progressive source
- I-block enhancing unchecked
- Psychovisual off

Thanks a lot for your time. :)

[Dark Shikari]

This is probably because whatever decoder you're using is absolutely atrocious at seeking.

As a general note, you should record videos in keyframe-only formats because they're much more editing-friendly.

If you need a fast keyframe-only lossless format, use FFDshow's HuffYUV; for a fast lossy keyframe-only format, use FFDshow's MJPEG.

[cybercat]

Thanks for the quick reply Dark Shikari.

I so I guess Vegas uses DivX as its decoder? Apparently it doesn't work so great. =/

So are you basically saying I should rerecord my files using either HuffYUV or MJPEG? Or are you saying I should convert my existing files to either of the formats you mentioned?

The only other options I have in my screen recorder are:
- Cinepak Codec by Radius
- Intel Indeo® Video 4.5
- Intel IYUV codec
- VP60® Simple Profile
- VP61® Advanced Profile
But I don't know if Vegas can read any of those, or if they're any better. So I assume I would have to install FFDshow to get those codecs in my recorder, if that's what you mean?

Appreciate your help.