CPI File Extension

What is CPI file?

File with.CPI extension contains information about video stream and metadata that describe it. CPI file doesn’t hold any video or audio data. CPI files store movies in proprietary AVCHD format used by High Definition digital cameras. AVCHD file folder usually contains clipinf subfolder in which CPI files are saved – each file has a related MTS clip stored in ‘stream’ folder. CPI files store data such as:

• video-related information:
  • Frames per second (frame rate),
  • Image aspect ratio,
  • Height and width in pixels,
  • Format and ID,

• audio-related information:
  • Compression,
  • Sampling rate,
  • Number of channels,
  • ID and format,

CPI format was developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic for HD cameras. It was first used in 2006. Presence of CPI files is necessary only if given video stream is to be played on the camera or if the complete AVCHD structure is needed by a software application such as Final Cut Pro or iMovie. If only a single MTS must be opened, related CPI is usually not required.

Programs which support CPI file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open CPI files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. CPI files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 07/24/2019

How to open file with CPI extension?

Being unable to open files with CPI extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with CPI extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Get the Adobe Premiere Pro

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening CPI files is that no program that can handle CPI files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Adobe Premiere Pro or one of the recommended programs (for example, PowerDirector, Pinnacle Studio, VideoStudio Pro) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Adobe Premiere Pro installed is by going to developer’s website (Adobe Systems Incorporated) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe Premiere Pro

If the problems with opening CPI files still occur even after installing Adobe Premiere Pro, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Premiere Pro is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Adobe Premiere Pro installed, it may not support CPI format. The most recent version of Adobe Premiere Pro is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Adobe Premiere Pro to CPI files

If you have the latest version of Adobe Premiere Pro installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage CPI on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the CPI with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Adobe Premiere Pro installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open CPI files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected CPI file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with CPI extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the CPI for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the CPI file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The CPI may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the CPI is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. CPI file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with CPI extension is complete and error-free

If the CPI file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the CPI file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle Adobe Premiere Pro

If the systems has insufficient resources to open CPI files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with AVCHD Video Clip Information Format file. It may be the case that the CPI files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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