.MOD File Extension

The MOD files that the JVC camera produces are really just MPEG-2 files. You can make a batch file to do a mass convert of MOD files to what they really are, MPG files, by just renaming the extension.

Copy & paste the folllowing into NOTEPAD and save as "jvc_rename.bat"

REM JVC Mass convert script
REM converts all MOD files in a folder to MPG files...
@ECHO off
cls
ECHO.
ECHO -
ECHO - Renames MOD Files from JVC Camera to MPG
ECHO -
SET prefix=mov1
SET /P prefix=Type a rename prefix. [mov1]
REN *.mod %prefix%*.mpg
SET choice=y
SET /P choice=Do you want to erase the MOI files? [y/n]
IF %choice%==y del *.moi
pause

I am able to play the video to part of my movies I recorded on my JVC Everio GZ-MG21U, but I cannot get the sound to play. I am not very computer literate, how do I get this to work?

I want to edit my videos shot in JVC camcorder using windows movie maker. But windows movie maker doesnt recognises .MOD file format. So this batch file process is helpful for convertnig in this case? How to run a batch file?

Hi there, Sorry to butt in but there is a much easier way. First, go to www.nchsoftware.com/prism/index.html and download their software. This one is REALLY free!

It works great too. Install it on your PC.

Upload JVC files. Go thru all the things they suggest that you do in the instructions. (for example on my computer, the Envirio is stored in my F: drive and are uploaded there. Make a new folder in the envirio file and store both your SD files and your EXT files into this folder) (drag and drop)

Now make a new folder on your desktop specifically for the new file. Call it whatever seems appropriate.

Once the files are uploaded to envirio on your PC, go to 'my computer'. Find the files. Now find the .mod file(s) that you just uploaded.

Open the prism converter. Drag and drop the file(s)into the prism converter, one at a time. To get the file from .mod to .avi, the prism free video converter will recognize this and have to update itself. (if you've got cable, its really quick) The program also wants to know the 'destiny' of the convertion. Browse til you find the folder you created on your desktop. Add it. Then click on 'convert'.

Sit back and wait. Your new .avi files will be created in a short time and will be in your new desktop folder waiting for you! This is way cool. It took me hundreds of hours to find a free tool that was actually free and a NO Brainer to use with my JVC. Whew! You can now edit it and work with it in Movie Maker. *You'd have thought they'd have thought of this and done something about it by now for us!!!

Hope this helps someone!

Carolyn

The conversion using Prism worked great. However, when I open the .avi file in Windows Movie Maker there is no sound. Have I done something incorrectly or did I miss a step?

Was there sound when you played back the video's before you downloaded them. I didn't have any problems with this at all.

Some things I'd check.

1)The volume control on the JVC and 2)make sure your speakers on your PC are working properly and 3)make sure the volume is turned up on the movie maker.

Other than those things, I don't know cuz I didn't have those problems myself. Anyone got any other suggestions to what could be going on with Lisa's .avi?

hi carolyn, you are doing great work here helping others. I also have a problem - I downloaded prism and tried to convert them but it says unrecognised format.please help me with this.my files are not even identified by the software.

After I converted the files a label appeared on my videos saying PICVIDEO at the top and ****jpg.com on them... This doesn't make any sense?

Hi Joe,

Please explain what 'files' you are talking about? The .mod files to .avi? or what?
(Are you talking about Movie Maker for Windows and JVC camcorder?)

Please be very sure you are converting to .avi and not .jpg and be very specific when you ask a question. You'll get better help if you explain yourself better.

If you did that after you DID convert .mod to .avi, it makes no sense at all!

In fact, here may be the problem. Did you have the CAMERA on video or pictures. The only way it would show up this way, is if you took pictures not video. Or did you create your video in picture?

I converted the .MOD file to .MPG no problem, BUT when I run it on Windows Movie Maker there's sound but NO VIDEO!

Now what?! This JVC is really a nightmare!

If anyone knows, please share it with us, I can not thank you enough.

Why would you convert .mod to .jpg in stead of .avi?

Try in .avi instead. .avi is the 'preferred' file type for Windows Movie Maker.

Maybe that will help with the sound? Its all guesswork and thats what's upsetting the most. Guessing if we're doing the 'right thing'.

You are absolutely right about JVC. You would think they would have provided us a way to convert the files.

.mod files are really jpeg2 files. The way I understood it, is that these files are too advanced for the technology that we're using. Computers and the internet haven't caught up with them.

Cyberlink has a website where you are supposed to be able to get help for JVC products. I tried asking a question on their site but the form they use is about 3 pages long. They want to know everything technical about your computer and the problem. I can understand them wanting to be thorough, but the form is a nightmare to fill out. I lost patience and got out of there to search for a new solution. Thats when I found the prism converter.

Thanks for all of the above - best advice I have found on this problem so far. I have used the prism programme and it has worked well, but have found the quality is depleted, I get the best quality in MPG format. Also I didnt do one file at a time I highlighted all the files and dragged them into the prism window and it worked fine although it took a while (lots of files).
Once again thank you.

Hi, and thanks for letting me know about the .mpg being a better quality. I was not too happy with the quality of my .avi files, but when ya struggle for so long to find the 'right answer' for the mpeg2 (.mod) files, its easy to overlook quality. I was just so happy to be able to use my videos finally!
Dragging and dropping them all at one time is good too. I have done both. The end result is the same. Lots of waiting! But worth it!
You are so very welcome! Thank you for letting me know about the .mpg files being better. I can't wait to try it out!

Where can I get the software for my JVC Everio GZ-MG21U? It seems to have been left out of my original purchase (could I have bought a re-pack?). Any help would be appreciated. BTW, I have a Mac...

Connie, That depends on where you got your JVC. If you bought it from a reputable dealer, then you can always return it and tell them the software is missing. Most of the software is pretty useless, although you may need the envirio software to accept and store the files. You may be able to get that from the cyberlink website, or call JVC and see if they'll send it to you. The software doesn't help convert over to any type of file we can use on our computers though. Please read this thread. Connie, have you tried downloading a video yet? What happens when you do?
Seanjo, do you have a mac? I converted my files to .mpg last night but my Windows movie maker wouldn't accept them, so I'm guessing thats why.

Hi all,

Thank you for your postings, being a newbie JVC owner I think it's great that you're willing to spend time on us :-)

A few days ago I bought a JVC GZ-MG130E, and obviously I had the same problem with the MOD files and I felt kind of stupid when I saw that I could just rename to .mpg.

So renaming the mod to mpg's works, but I have a feeling that it's not that easy because I recorded in 16:9 format but it looks like that Media player insists playing these files in 4:3 format which makes everything taller.

Did/does anyone have the same problem, and more importantly.. How did you solve it?

All help is deeply appreciated!

Thanks
Anders

simple question is what u wanna do with the files.
most common answer. burn on dvd.
then don't go through any hessle. just use tmpgEnc Author software. it recognize mod files. and creates a dvd for you. i love this software. its a commercial software for about $90. but worth the price. or maybe u will be able to find a crack for this too.

Panasonic HDD camcorders have the same problem with the .MOD/.MOI files and they also do not set the widescreen aspect ratio flag inside the mpeg movie data file (it is only set in the mpeg movie information file)...

I also have a JCV HDD Camcorder, and I only shoot in 16:9 (I have a widescreen TV), I use Sektionschef's sdcopy V1.996 (go to zyvid.com and search for 'new copy tool' or follow this link: zyvid.com/smf/index.php?topic=280.0, to copy the .MOD files off the camera and onto my desktop, it correctly sets the 1.78 aspect ratio of the files, so that they show up in the widescreen format.

The first time you run sdcopy.exe click on the question mark button, and read the short but helpfull help window.

See the following link for more 16:9 playback information: camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t138644.html

I then use Windows Movie Maker 6, its included in Windows Vista Premium and Ultimate versions, to edit my native mpeg2 files (Mpeg2 files do not work in Windows XP with WMM2, unless you convert the files to .AVI format first--renaming the file only does not work). The whole process goes really fast, and works great! Added bonus, Vista correctly displays the thumbnails of the mpeg2 video files as well, nothing extra to install.

John, Where do you get this tmpg Enc Author software from? sounds good ...do you usse this with a Mac??

hi there. i have the same problem, i have all these mod files and when i open the file, the answer i get is window does not recognise the source that made it. i'll try what carolyne sugested. hope it works ok.

Connie,

TMPGEnc is a good program, but it is for PCs only. TMPGEnc MPEG Editor 2.0 PREMIUM is on sale now for $50. Their website is tmpgenc.net/en/

If you use a Mac (or a PC) try MPEG Streamclip and by the way its free: squared5.com

Enzo, what windows version are you running? Just curious. Also, the prism software is free, very user friendly, and works great. Just gotta drag and drop the .mod file into it. It will STILL tell you that it doesn't recognize the file. Just make all the other changes, to .avi and folder, and hit convert. When you do that, the software SHOULD automatically update itself. I love Prism. I can't say enuff good stuff about it. I haven't tried the square5 but it sounds good also. Have to check it out. Anything thats free is just an added bonus nowadays! Good luck!

Carolyn: you have provided the best help for me so far. I have had the same problem as others with the whole .mod debacle. But now my video is vertically. Everything is tall and skinny. What to do? Thanks!

Are you taking vids to record to DVD's? The 'taller' aspect sounds like you are recording in 16:9.

I am quoting right out of the JVC instructions book and this is what is says:

"Attention: Videos which have been recorded in the 16:9 mode may appear to be slightly vertically stretched on a 4:3 screen TV. Record videos in 4:3 mode if playing back on a 4:3 screen TV." (page 18)

16:9 is for wide screen viewing only.

To change the ratio, turn the camera on. Then turn it to video mode. Use the control lever and press it inward towards camera. Each time you press it you will either get a choice of 4:3 or 16:9. Switch it back to 4:3 mode. Then try another test video and see if this corrects the problem.

carolyn, thanks for the quick response. I am actually using a Panansonic model, but I think the problem occurs on both cameras. I'm pretty sure I tried recording in both settings. I probably won't be doing too much DVD buring as my computer can't burn DVDs. One other question: Are there any decent movie editors that can handle .MOD files? When I say decent, in comparision with Windows Movie Maker. Thanks again!

I tried the Prism software that Carolyn suggested and i do not have a problem using Pinnacle Studio 8. Thanks so much cause i was about to return this camera and get a miniDV.

You can use .mod files using Cyberlink Power Director Movie Maker software. (came with my JVC) I really liked it until I found out I couldn't upload to youtube using .mod files. It has lots more functions than movie maker. You can buy it from cyberlink.com or they also offer a free trial if you'd like to try it out first. There are other movie software programs out there I'm sure. Try a google search for 'movie maker software'.

Thanks again for the input. With the Cyberlink software, isn't there a way to save it as a file type that can be used for YouTube? If not, do you think there are programs that can import .mod and create a movie then save the file type as something else?

I wish I knew of one. The cyberlink software did not offer various ways to 'save' movies. (not that I remember anyway:o) Youtube does not allow .mpeg2 or .mod files. Not yet anyway. Hard drive camcorders are ahead of their time. The web has not caught up with the technology yet. Its coming soon hopefully, just not yet.

Rick,
Thanks for the info. squared is great but I still need the original software for my Everio GZ-MG21U. It seems to have been omitted in the original packaging...hmmm.

Any ideas? Anyone?

So many clips, so little software....

a friend suggested to me to try out Ulead Visual Studio as a edit software. It will open .mod files and i believe will save it as a file for youtube if i'm not mistaken

Connie, you will have to contact JVC. If you didn't buy the camera from a reputable dealer, you are basically 'out of luck'. Why didn't you just return the camera when you discovered the software was missing? This is what I'm unclear about. If I bought a product and there was no software with it, I would've taken it back the next day. Where did you buy it? Sounds to me like you'll have to go back to the original source to get it. The main problem is that you can't share software anymore. I would be happy to send you mine, since I've already installed it, but licensing won't allow you to use my software. Its already registered to me. I would possibly try to sell your camcorder 'as is' on Ebay or Craigs list and then use that money towards buying it again, or something similar, that has the software provided in the package. I hate that you are having this experience but you need to be really careful. Make sure that you have all components when you buy something and make smart purchases from a reputable dealer who can help you after the sale, if there are any problems.

makr, are you sure you don't mean ulead video studio? I did a google search and didn't see any ulead visual studio...

makr: thanks for the advice, I got Ulead video studio and it works great. It has even more features than WMM. Thumbs up for you!

all of you having a problems with JVC EVERIO camcorder please use Total Video Converter your problems will disappear!!

im using it now to convert MOD files to AVI or MPG format without problems!!

mail me if you have problems..coz i aint come back and see your post and reply...

thumbs up!

From the looks of it, total video converter looks like a really great program! Thanks for the heads up on it! For those of us already using the Prism converter, its always nice to know there is a back up just in case! (So write the name down or be sure to bookmark this page!) Total video converter is also a freebie! Nice!

Carolyn,

Thanks so much for your input. I bought my Everio @ CompUSA and only used the camera for months. When I finally tried to download my clips, 8 months had gone by. There is no mention in the manual of the software! When I went back to CompUSA, they said to try JVC. When I called JVC, they said I waited too long. When I told them that the software was supposed to come with what I paid for, the connection was "lost". Thanks also for your offer to use your software but you are probably right about me not being able to use it for proprietary reasons...

Dyowei,

Where would I get Total Video Converter from? Sounds great...

Connie, I just happened to be here first. I did a google search for it when I checked it out. Its easy to find that way. You can download it from effectmatrix.com
At least thats where I found it. I am sorry you are having such a hard time with your camcorder. I wish someone had a better suggestion for you to recover your software. Have you tried Cyberlink?

Where would I get Total Video Converter mod.file to mpg great.

Dyowei,

I've removed the links as it'd be safer if everyone just downloaded from the official website.

www.effectmatrix.com/total-video-converter/

Just download Total Video Converter....

It doesn't support MOD files....

I own a JVC GZ-MG21U..When I shoot the video, I can see the date and time but when I save it to computer and play the video, the date and time are not displayed.
I want to get the date and time stamp of the video when i view the video from computer.
any idea how this can be done.

Thats a real shame that the total video converter doesn't support .mod file. I read the page and it said it was a 'total video converter'. To me, that implies all extensions. You'd think that they couldn't advertise it as 'total' if it didn't convert them all! (maybe they should change the name:o) Sorry too, I didn't download it personally and try it. Thanks for the heads up about it though. Jay and I were both trusting that the person who suggested it had used it.

But that is the point of having forums isn't it. When we all come together, we all benefit. (well, most of the time)

Sandy, have you tried an SD card? Wonder if that'd make a difference? I looked through the manual to see if I could find the words 'time date stamp'. There were a lot of references about setting the time but I didn't see anything in there about setting a date stamp. Did you try it on the 'date index screen' or the 'event' mode? (page 28 of the instructions manual)

I'll check my camcorder out over the weekend and see if I can figure it out.

Hey all,

Carolyn/Sandy - Take a look at the following extension:

.MOI - JVC Camcorder time-stamp file

From memory, date and time information is stored using that file. I may be wrong, but it's a start!

Jay.

hey carolyn, jay..thanks..

i think i confused u with my question.
what i need is the date and time should get displayed in while the video is played from the computer.
tried the sdcopy.exe.
it asks which extn to be converted. if u give .mod, it converts them to .mpg. If you give .moi, it changes them also to .mpg.
this doesnt help as the coverted file doesnt show the date and time during play.

Hi,

When I tried renaming the .mod files to .avi or .mpg, it plays correctly on Windows Media Player but lacks sound or video when I try to edit it using Adobe Premiere Pro or Windows Movie Maker.

However, I found out that you can burn .mod video files directly using Ulead DVD Movie Factory or Nero. However, the quality of the video isn't great using Nero. It's perfect with Ulead DVD Movie Factory. Unfortunately, the program doesn't have too many features.

However, I would like to burn video files in the future in fancier programs like Adobe Premiere Pro. Is it possible to configure a JVC video camera to save the videos as .mpg/.avi files instead of .mod when it's recording? If so, how? I don't have the manual, that's why.

Thanks.

Jessica, unfortunately, you have to record in .mod files. There is no way to change that at all. Instead of renaming the files, try converting them instead to .avi files using the prism converter. (see above for the full instructions and url to prism converter.) Then make your movie in either of your editing programs. This will hopefully solve the sound problem. Works for me!

Sandy, you are looking for a date stamp on the video in playback and in the saved movie. Correct? Have you tried the date/index screen mode or the event mode yet? I haven't had a chance to try it myself today but will shortly. This may be the way to add it to your video. I am not sure yet. Be back soon.

hallo carolyn..i was downloading the software that you've suggested to convert the .mod files to avi..it's so great..but then i realized that the file size becoming up to 10 times bigger than the origin...can you give mw a tips again? btw nice advice, althought i must surf again for another tips..

I could not remember what my file size does when I convert it so I just made a dummy video Linc. When I convert my .mod to .avi, the file actually becomes slightly smaller in size, not larger. I have NO idea why thats happening to you. Has anyone else noticed this happening?

Connie, I've tried a couple of different settings on my JVC to see if I can get a date stamp. No go. The only mode I haven't tried yet is the 'event' mode. Have you tried that yet? I can't seem to get a date stamp on the video no matter what I do.

Suggestion. I understand that what you are trying to do may require a date on the video. Can't you simply add a date into the video using movie maker? To do this, use the 'add title and credits' feature in movie maker. Use the one that says 'add title ON the selected clip'. You can ad-lib whatever does not appear on the original video onto the video using this feature. You can also move it around or add it to any part of the video. You can also adjust the font and the color and place it appears. You can also add more than one and may be able to stretch it out for the entire vid. (I haven't tried stretching mine out yet but its a possibility. Play around with this feature and see what happens.)