Sounds like ssl is not reading the info in your metadata folder. What happens if you go back to the version you was using before?

Not sure I can.... How do I do this, simply reinstall previous version?

OK I worked it out, I just reinstalled. Back to 23103 for now.

Now I am getting the artist info and the BPM back, just performing a rescan of ID3 tags.

However I have still not got any cue points on known files.

Scratch that... I have SOME cue points back.

I think what may have happened is that I did a re-analyze of the files in a panic before a gig. It did not finish so it looks like it may have overwritten some metadata on certain files. This is a mess...!

Is there an auto backup of metadata info somewhere I can revert back to?

Don't worry, I got it. Used the metadata folder from a time machine backup, problem fixed.

However, why did it do it in the first place...? I won't be upgrading to the latest version until I know what happened... What do I need to do to recreate the problem?

Hi sorry was at work djing lastnight. Ya was guna say look in your backup. Ots because from 2.3.3 Serato now saves metadata to the file unless the file cannot save metadata then it will save to tge metadata folder. That is why this happened. However it should still of read your metadata folder. But what we really need is a tool/program that can copy all tge data from the metadata folder have save it to the files that would save of the headache of having to re tag/cue/loop/analyze all your video files.

I know this is a pain but its just what serato have had todo to fix all the big issues with video files.

So if you don't. Want to retag all your videos you will have to stay on older versions forever.

Hi Matt Allcock,

Sorry to hear your having issues with Scratch Live and Video files. Lets get it sorted.

Did you Rescan ID3 Tags when you updated to Scratch Live 2.3.3 ?

The MP4 TAG LIB has been refactored for Scratch Live 2.3.3 and metadata written in 2.3.3 is NOT backwards compatible. A number of MP4 bugs have been resolved in Scratch Live 2.3.3 and we recommend that Video-SL users update to this version.

Could you please attach a copy of the original metadata folder and a couple of the video files that lost their metadata to this thread. I will have a look at them here and try to reproduce the issue.

Anthony

Hi guys, this makes sense, thanks for the explanation.

AnthonyS: Yes, I did do a rescan of ID3 tags when I was on the 2.3.3.

I am still on 2.3.1 now so I will provide my current metadata folder and a couple of MP4 files I use.

Thanks
Matt

I can't remember what other songs I had problems with now, but this one attached was a definite.

Please note that this particular file is an iTunes format file, but it has been edited (in iMovie) by myself to get rid of original ambient noises in the video. It resides in my iTunes library and the original has been deleted for this file to take it's place in the directory structure.

Hope that helps.

Any news AnthonyS?

bump

Anthony won't be around over the weekend.

Someone else in a help thread below has had similar problems with .m4v files, and Anthony sorted that by changing the extension to .mp4.

You might want to copy the file and try that.

YES.. I had nothing but headaches with .m4v!

Hi Matt Allcock,

OK, I downloaded the IT/s Tricky.m4v and analyzed it in Scratch Live 2.3.3.

File analyzed fine in 2.3.3. Added Cue points and Tags then closed Scratch Live.

Re-opened Scratch Live and loaded the track to deck. All OK, and all Tags remained.

As you may know we have re-factored the MP4 Tag Lib in Scratch Live 2.3.3 onwards. Tags written in 2.3.3 are not backwards compatible.
If a file has been imported into 2.3.3 and has previous metadata this will be read by Scratch Live 2.3.3 and stored and still visible in previous versions. Scratch Live will write new metadata for the file ( if the file supports metadata ).

I couldn't see the .ovb or .xml for this file in your metadata folder but I suggest you update to 2.3.3 and analyze the file again. If you are still having problems with this file we will look at other options.

Hi AnthonyS, thanks for looking into this for me.

One problem I can possibly see from what you did was the fact that I had previous analyse info with the file, up to version 2.3.1 and when I upgraded to 2.3.3 I lost this info. It seems that you basically are starting from fresh with 2.3.3 and not utilising the previous version which I am still using now to recreate the problem? Please correct me if I am wrong.

If it's not too much trouble, can you please try to import this file into 2.3.1, analyse it and set a couple of cue points, then install 2.3.3 and try to load the file into a deck (without re-analysing it) to see if the same info still remains, or it gets lost like mine did?

I do not understand how the metadata folder works to be honest so until we nail this problem and I get a set of instructions on how to fix it I will be stuck with using version 2.3.1...! (no pressure lol)

Many thanks for your time, much appreciated!

Hi Matt Allcock,

Scratch Live 2.3.3 should still read the metadata from previous versions. The first time it is opened in Scratch Live 2.3.3 the original Tags should still be visible. On ejecting the track from the deck the first time the metadata will be written in the new format. The old tags should still be visible in pre 2.3.3 versions and in 2.3.3 in the new format.

I downloaded the track above and tagged it in Scratch Live 2.3.1 and then opned 2.3.3 and the tags were still visible. Im not sure what is going on at your end ?

Have you rebuilt your database v2 file recently ?

How to rebuild your database V2 file; sera.to

Interesting, so my problem shouldn't have happened at all...?

I have never rebuilt by database V2 file, I am just doing that now. I will test over the weekend and report back.

Thanks
Matt

Hi Matt Allcock,

Cool, let me know how you get on and if you have any further questions regarding Video-SL.

Nope sorry it has done it again. Upgraded to 2.3.3 and opened "It's Tricky.m4v" and there are no cue points and no analysation.

All videos in iTunes have the exact same problem. MP4s are fine but the ones that are from iTunes are exactly how they were. I cannot properly upgrade to 2.3.3 unless this issue gets sorted!

bump

bump - please help!

I've looked into this a little more now that serato video is out - I want to be able to try this program out, as a Video-SL customer (currently I use ME) and the only way to do this is to go down the SSL 2.4.1 route.

Upon inspection of the metadata folder, I only have information for 59 different artists which is less than a quarter of the number of artists' of videos I have actually purchased from iTunes. This would explain why I am losing the information upon the upgrade - it cannot read what is not there.

The question is, why do I have no metadata information for these other files? If in SSL 2.3.1 I am able to use and recall cue points and analyse info for certain tunes without an XML/OVB file, where is this information being stored for SSL 2.3.1 to retrieve it? Can I import this information into the SSL 2.4.1?

This is doing my head in. Please help!

Tried a little more investigation. After upgrading to 2.4.1 and once again losing all info for the same file, (It's Tricky.m4v) I force analysed it and it still did not read any info embedded into the file.

Then I downgraded to 2.3.1, and still no info. So I quit, replaced the Metadata folder with the backup one from before I started and the info came back for the same file, It's Tricky.m4v. (Even though there is no XML or OVB file in the metadata folder for this tune.)

I force analysed it in 2.3.1, and after the analysation had finished, it said that it was "writing tags: /users/mattallcock/music/itunes/itunes music/RUN DMC/unknown album/it's tricky.m4v" even though there is no such file in the metadata folder.

So I renamed the file to an MP4, rather than M4V, like phatbob suggested. iTunes realised the change, opened up SSL 2.3.1 and there it was, with the same 5 cue points as before. Forced the analysation again, and it said once again that it was writing the tags to the same destination, even though there was no such file and no new xml/ovb file had been created either.

How can I get Serato to save all of this information into XML/OVB files like the rest of them rather than it trying to save the info to nothing or simply attaching it to the ID3 of the file (I guess that's what it's trying to do) so I can upgrade? Or do I just need to remake all of these damn cue points again? I have over 400 files to redo if this is my only fix, and I really don't want to do this!

I have no idea what you are trying todo but 2.3.3 and above now saves info into the file it self not the metadata folder unless it can not write tags to the file. This is a fix as saving to the metadata folder was sooo buggy. When upgrading to 2.3.3 or above you have to think like you are starting from fresh.
Get rid of the metadata folder and add all your tags and cue points again and.reanalize in 2.3.3 or above.

Not sure what the score with itunes is as i dont use it seems more of a headache and since itune 9.2 above you have not been able to batch update id3 tags in itunes so kind of sucks.

I have no idea what you are trying todo but 2.3.3 and above now saves info into the file it self not the metadata folder unless it can not write tags to the file. This is a fix as saving to the metadata folder was sooo buggy. When upgrading to 2.3.3 or above you have to think like you are starting from fresh.
Get rid of the metadata folder and add all your tags and cue points again and.reanalize in 2.3.3 or above.

Not sure what the score with itunes is as i dont use it seems more of a headache and since itune 9.2 above you have not been able to batch update id3 tags in itunes so kind of sucks.

I see, so the Metadata folder is now no longer used in 2.3.3 and above, unless the file is read only or something?

This would make sense and would explain why the metadata folder is not creating the XML/OVB file.

However I have found a work around - I closed SSL, renamed the M4V to MP4 within the iTunes folder, opened it in iTunes (iTunes will realise that you have changed it and simply change it's own library information to suit), then open up SSL. The file will now come up with cue points, loop points and waveforms.

I think the difference is the fact that the M4V is a "Protected Mpeg-4" file and the MP4 is able to be written to via 3rd party software such as SSL. By simply renaming the extension it is not removing the DRM it's just removing the "protected status" from the file.

I am in the process of renaming all my iTunes M4V purchased files to MP4, which is taking it's time. I really shouldn't have to do this by the way - I should not have to re-do all of my work of adding cue points just because Serato have "changed the way it does things", and this workaround is crazy - can you imagine if I had no idea about computers?

You shouldnt need to change that i guess itunes is your issue here if u downloaded itunes 9.1 you can rescan all your tags that should solve that then update itunes again. Thats why i dont use itunes its just something else togo wrong.

As for re cueing ect thats just what tjis fix has taken once done your good togo. Pain yes but least they fixed it.

I used the iTunes library option as I purchase tunes through it and the importing system (although I realise now can be worked around) was bugging me having duplicates everywhere, every time I loaded a tune into iTunes. I thought "can't beat em, join em".

I use iTunes for playlists for other purposes (background music for functions/trivia nights) so it kinda makes sense to me. If I was to ever do it again I wouldn't use iTunes in Serato but that's only because I am more knowledgeable about how it works now.

My sets are all based on my many many cue points and if I was to lose all of those cue points I would not be able to run such a chopped up set that I am known for. It would take me months to get back to the position I was at before and would annoy the crap out of me, plus I would be in danger of losing nights to other DJs (yes it's that cut-throat over here in Sydney). I would just much rather keep all of my cue/loop info than have to do it all again.

Well its catch 22. Anyway you only loose cue points that were saved to the metadata folder. Any that was to the file will be fine.

I buy music from itunes not videos tho as the quality is shocking and unusable not pro in any way.

I have found that, and a lot of the iTunes vids I have remade using the CD quality tune over the top and lipsync'd using iMove of all things!

Looks like I'll have to keep the metadata folder too then.

Thanks for ur help mate :)

iMovie ^

Ya no worries good luck,

Just to let you all know that this problem is now fixed by the following steps on Mac OSX:

Close SSL and iTunes
Open up a finder window, enter "M4V" in Spotlight search.
Enable list view and sort by type.
Locate each and every M4V file by scrolling to the relevant bunch of files (type should show "protected MPEG-4 movie")
Rename the extension M4V of ALL FILES (one by one) to MP4. (This may take a while)
Open iTunes
Click on the Music Videos playlist and play the first one in the list.
Once it has opened it for even a split second, skip to the next one. Do this for every music video you have in the playlist. (By doing this it will force iTunes to relocate the file as MP4 and update it's library.)
Open SSL and analyze files.
Locate a random iTunes video and see if cue points exist.


I know, it's a LOT of work but at least you get your hard work of previously saved cue points back!

same problem...renamed an m4v file to mp4 and BOOM...old cue point is there...CRAZY!!!

i guess since m4v files are protected files, the new format for versions 2.3.3 and higher isn't able to save the tags to the actual file...

Glad someone else notices this quirk as well. It's not a real deal breaker but along with SSL puking on ID3 v2.4 tags (VERY BAD MOJO) it will drive you crazy until you find the fix.

SERIOUSLY...i never upgraded to version 2.3.3 cuz both times i used it my computer crashed because of mp4 files...i had to get a new hard drive the last time it crashed...after that i switched back to 2.3.1 and converted all my mp4 files to m4v files using the handbrake video-sl preset to avoid another crash...i figured once serato video dropped EVERYTHING would be good to go but the second i used it i lost ALL my cue points, etc. kind of ironic the only way to get em back was to convert all my m4v files to mp4 files ESPECIALLY since the handbrake video-sl preset converted all my mp4 files to m4v files...mad props to matt allcock for the fix...spent pretty much my ENTIRE day looking for a solution to this...serato should be on top of this!!!

its on opition on macs in the setup to use m4v just untick it and handbrake will now output to mp4.

but that was a mad way of doing things.

you guys just dont get that they have changed things to fix things. just means its more work for us. anyway unless you do all the updating your guna have issue with all version past 2.2.2

oh i know...i'm runnin serato video on 2.4.1 now...i just wasn't looking forward to making the switch cuz i knew it was gonna be a lot of work to get everything up and running!!! as for the option on macs, you talkin bout in system preferences, itunes or handbrake?

handbrake, go into settings its in there somewhere.

Hi Matt Allcock,

Sorry its taken so long to get back to you on this one. We have been inundated with new users since the release of ITCH 2.2, Scratch Live 2.4.1 and Serato Video.

The issue with iTunes .m4v files and DRM is not ideal. Our recommended format as you know is MP4 ( H.264 Video ) ( AAC Audio ).

Thanks for the information regarding your workaround as i'm sure this will be useful for those who use iTunes librarys in Scratch Live and ITCH.

There is an option in Handbrake>Preferences>General Settings to Default MP4 extension.

Let me know how you get on with Serato Video and if you have any further questions.

Anthony

Thanks guys, glad to help out and good to know that Handbrake has the MP4 option too.

I'm not a Serato Video / Video-SL user anymore - I'll be honest, I bought Video-SL years ago and moved onto MixEmergency after a year or so. I tried SV once when it was released and it's still not anywhere near as good at MixEmergency.

I did however have to downgrade to 2.3.3 from 2.4.1 for ME to still work again which means I can't actually use the Rane 62 yet (not that I own one or will even get to use one for a while) until Inklen bring out a version that is able to run with 2.4.1.

There are a few options that ME has over the new Serato Video and I am actually surprised that these options haven't been benchmarked and implemented in Serato Video.

1. Media bank - every mp3 song I play for the first time in Serato Video I have to drag a video onto a button to associate the video file with the MP3 or I get a blank screen. This takes time and time I do not have. ME uses the media bank to grab a video from the bank if there is no video output from the file you are playing. This means that you can just leave it going in the background and concentrate on DJing.

2. Auto crossfade option - When you stop a file on one deck it will crossfade the video for you. You don't have to press a button or the left/right keys to crossfade, you just DJ as per normal and the video will do its thing. It will also use a random video transition if you wish and you don't end up with a frozen screen if you forget to crossfade the video (which I see a LOT of video-SL/Serato Video users doing)

3. Delay compensation - I play at a lot of venues and their in-house video system is completely different venue to venue. I can fine-tune the delay to force it into sync with the screens. Sometimes I am working at a venue where I am plugging directly into one screen, sometimes it has to go down 20m of cable to get to a video distributor box, then another 20m of cable to get to each screen, delay is massive in those venues and is easily fixed by this option.

4. Text on screen - Is not long enough in Serato Video. I have scrolling text on the bottom with a lot of information. Facebook addresses, where to find the pictures from the night, promotions on drinks etc etc. ME gives you a massive string to put along the bottom, Serato video is limited to just a finite number of characters.

5. Video Input - You can use the built-in i-Sight webcam at the flick of a switch to go directly to the video screens, or an external webcam if you wish. This option is fairly new and still needs ironing out but I like the concept. They are also looking into an option of dragging an entire directory of pictures for an instant slideshow of multiple photos at the click of a button. One more thing that you can just click and leave to concentrate on DJing.

That's just 4-5 major points and there are a lot more options. I am sure you guys have put in a LOT of work into Serato Video and all respect for making something very stable etc... but it's still not a patch on what Mix Emergency can do in terms of versatility. Please take note of these things and work on implementing them into Serato Video and I will then consider moving back as will a lot of other ME users...

Hi Matt Allcock,

Thanks for your feedback here.

I can only say we have re-factored the back end of Serato Video and going forward there will be updates that address a lot of the features that you and other video dj's are requesting.

Thanks

Anthony

Hi AnthonyS,

Glad to give my feedback. There's no secrets on here - I'm sure the guys who develop Serato Video know exactly what MixEmergency does and I'm sure they plan on benchmarking their innovations.

Here's something for the developers: If they can get all of these features into Serato Video, then it will blow MixEmergency out of the water as it will be used with ITCH too, where ME doesn't support ITCH at all. (I would love them to allow this however!)