MeGUI - X264 to IPod

[Capsbackup]

I have been testing MeGUI - x264-Std_r399A and x264-400 to convert DVD to IPod but have not been able to get the IPod to accept the file. Quality looks real good, but IPod rejects the "update". I tried following this guide "http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/ipod-video.ars/5" , but still no luck. Videora works on some of my tests, though a couple would update to the IPod but would not play. I like MeGUI's interface and capabilities much better. CucuSoft DVD to Ipod converter works well, but does not appear to allow H264. Can anybody tell me what I am doing wrong ?

[lexor]

well I'm not sure about what you mean by an "update", but if you are using QT profile, then the only other thing I can think of is resolution, make sure your file is 320x240 if it's not resize it. (I'm assuming you know how to do that in avisynth)

[Capsbackup]

I got it to work by using the profile "PD-iPod" in the x264 program. There appears to be a few changes in the settings compared to the guide "http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/ipod-video.ars/5". What I mean by "update" is what you do after importing the file into the Itunes library and click on "file - update Ipod".

[lexor]

So is your video resolution correct? (320x240)
Also (and I don't claim first hand knowledge of this, just something I've heard) Apple uses .m4v for video and not .mp4 as a file extension, so try changing the extension.

[bond]

So is your video resolution correct? (320x240)
Also (and I don't claim first hand knowledge of this, just something I've heard) Apple uses .m4v for video and not .mp4 as a file extension, so try changing the extension.the ipod supports .mp4 fine, no need to use .m4v (.m4v are raw mpeg-4 asp streams normally...)

[Capsbackup]

Yes the resolution is 320x240, and it was resized in Avisynth. The problem was the guide "http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/ipod-video.ars/5" does not explain how to set all the parameters properly for the Ipod. But the "PD-iPod" template found in the X264 video profiles does the trick.

[Hyper Shinchan]

the ipod supports .mp4 fine, no need to use .m4v (.m4v are raw mpeg-4 asp streams normally...)
Anyway Apple doesn't think so and M4V is also the main Brand in ftyp box in all the traielers and converted video that I have :devil:

[bond]

Anyway Apple doesn't think so and M4V is also the main Brand in ftyp box in all the traielers and converted video that I have :devil:how does apple "not thinking so" change the point that the ipod handles .mp4 files and therefore there is no need to use the .m4v extension?

also using "m4v" as brand just prooves how braindead and ignorant apple is

[Sirber]

I just made a test with x264 and it didn't like it too :(

--me umh --subme 5 --ref 6 --mixed-refs --analyse "all" --no-cabac --keyint 999 --min-keyint 12 --ipratio 1.00 --qcomp 0 --nr 100

[Sirber]

adding "--level 1.3" fixed it.

but, it didn't like my xvid settings too:

turbo:max_bframes=3:cartoon:chroma_opt:me_quality=6:vhq=4

frames were dropped and it's very blocky. Play fine on PC though

[burgerpardis]

I seem to be having a problem getting this to work. I'm using the PD-ipod profile and one click encoder then following all the other instructions on the guide linked to by capsbackup. It starts the job, but it only gets to the part in the log where it says: sucessfully set up dgindex. Then a new window pops up, then it vanishes, then the same one pops up again, then vanishes. It does it one more time, then megui.exe shuts down and nothing is open.

megui v0.2.3.2033
dgindex 1.4.5
avisynth 2.55
besweet 1.5b31
x264 Rev.408 by sharktooth
the latest build of mp4box
netframework 2.0 installed

can anyone help?

edit: ok, fixed to a point. Now the audio encodes from ac3 to AAC no problem, but when it reaches the job of encoding the video to mpeg4 using x264, it finishes in under a second and then the mux has an error because there was no encoding to mp4. here is the log:

Log for job job2-1

BeSweet v1.5b31 by DSPguru.
--------------------------

[00:00:00:000] Initializing...
[00:00:00:000] -- Initializing...

[01:01:06:464] |

[01:01:06:464] Finalizing...
[01:01:06:464] Conversion Completed !

Visit DSPguru's Homepage at :
http://DSPguru.doom9.net/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job2-1 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job2-2
No desired size. Continuing without making any changes.
Starting job job2-2 at 3:21:56 PM
Job is a video job. encoder commandline:
--bitrate 700 --level 1.3 --no-cabac --subme 6 --analyse p8x8,b8x8 --qpmin 22 --me umh --threads 2 --progress --no-psnr --output "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4" "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs"
successfully started encoding
Processing ended at 3:21:57 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job2-2

avis [error]: unsupported input format (DIB )
could not open input file 'C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs'
desired video bitrate of this job: 700 kbit/s - obtained video bitrate: 0 kbit/s
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job2-2 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job2-3
Starting job job2-3 at 3:21:57 PM
Job is a mux job. Commandline:
-add "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4" -add "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.mp4":lang=eng -fps 24 -new "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.mp4"
successfully set up muxer
Processing ended at 3:21:57 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job2-3

Unknown input file type
(Feature Not Supported)
Error importing C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4: Feature Not Supported

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Capsbackup]

burgerpardis, I can't get megui v0.2.3.2033 to work but 2024 has been working great. Also, I create the .d2v file manually, not with megui since when I try that way, I get an error when it trys to mux the audio. I do use avisynth script creator within megui. Don't forget to resize to 320x240. I use 128kbps audio but 160kbps is reported to be OK too.

burgerpardis, I would try going back to v2024, and try a short clip ( 2 - 3 minutes, trailer or something ). Create the .d2v with dgindex 1.4.5 manually, not with megui .d2v creator. Then open megui and create the avisynth, making sure you resize to 320x240. Then make sure you add the audio to the megui project and set it to 128kbps or 160kbps. Then click Autoencode. When Automatic Encoding window pops up, select " No Target Size ( use profile setting). Then click Queue. Now back to main window select Queue, then click start. If everything was set up right you only have to wait about 5 minutes to see the results of the test. Then plug in the IPod and try to see if you can import it in and see if it plays. Good Luck.

[burgerpardis]

I would like to be able to set it and have it go overnight with no manual interaction. That's why I'm interested in the one click encoder aspect. I've got it resized to 320x240, and I am using 160kbps audio, but I changed the bitrate to 500kbps for smaller filesize and the quality drop isn't very noticable on such a small screen.

When I couldn't get the audio to work, I was missing the faac.exe and .dll, but I found them and then it all looked like it was going to run smoothly. Now I can't seem to encode the video and am wondering if I am missing a .dll for x264. I don't think I am....

[Doom9]

@burgerpardis: a little searching would've returned a link to this thread: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=105924 By the sound of it, that's your problem (and megui is doing everything right).

Also, I create the .d2v file manually, not with megui since when I try that way, I get an error when it trys to mux the audio. Uh, what on earth would one have to do with the other? And what would that error be (we do have an bug report thread after all.. bugs must be tracked and hunted down.. it can't be that you go around the forum telling people not to use certain components of megui don't work without 1) properly documenting that, and 2) without any developer ever having tried to fix what may be wrong)

[Capsbackup]

@Doom9 clueless noob: Your projecting your beliefs alot from what I said, which was "I can't get ". I never reported a bug because I dont know that a bug exists. I only tried to help someone, " burgerpardis ", with something he was asking, that I got to work for me. I have never and don't " go around the forum telling people not to use certain components of megui don't work without 1) properly documenting that, and 2) without any developer ever having tried to fix what may be wrong). If I can't just mention something that has worked for me with a short explanation of what I did to try and help another, never implying a bug or problem with a program, what good are these forums for?

[Doom9]

If I can't just mention something that has worked for me with a short explanation of what I did to try and help another, never implying a bug or problem with a program, what good are these forums for?Considering that the developers all are members here and imho are quite active in helping out and bughunting, I think it's only appropriate that if something doesn't work, instead of just giving up and telling other people to do so (which is what you did, like it or not.. your statement implies (no matter if it was done on purpose or not)that something is wrong with the d2v creator and that I cannot let stand because I wrote the code personally) you try to reproduce and then post a bug report.. you'll benefit from that as well since the next time round, you won't need a workaround anymore. Perhaps you're doing something wrong, in which case we can help you, and perhaps there's indeed a problem, which can be fixed. We'll never get any further if whenver you come across a problem, instead of letting other people know (perhaps they might know a solution), you just look for the workaround and tell other people to use the workaround. Say your computer gets infected by a worm that shuts it down automatically every 30 seconds when you install it because you have no firewall and don't install with SP2 enabled (happend to a friend of mine). I could tell him to install linux (which is what you did), or I could try to solve it (which is what I did).. I found a misconfigured router that had crucial security features disabled, and I slipstreamed XP with SP2 for him so that his security is a little better from the getgo. My approach was more time consuming, but in the end I believe more helpful as well.

[burgerpardis]

thanks for the link doom9, I wasn't sure if it was a mux problem or encoding problem...so my searching lead no where. I'll see if the new version of mp4box fixes it and report back.

edit: it isn't mp4box casuing the problems, The video itself will not encode. That is why there is errors when trying to mux. here is a log file from my latest trial.

Generating jobs. No desired size.
User doesn't care what the filesize is. Leaving bitrate/qp/crf at the profile's valueDesired size of this automated encoding series: -1024 bytes, split size: 0
Language of track 1 is English. The ISO code that this corresponds to is eng.
Autocropping successful. Using the following crop values: left: 8, top: 0, right: 6, bottom: 2.
Final resolution that is compatible with the chosen AVC Level: 320*240
Avisynth script created:
mpeg2source("C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.d2v")
#deinterlace
crop(8,0,-6,-2)

LanczosResize(320,240)
#denoise
Starting job job2-1 at 3:59:54 PM
Job is an audio job. Commandline:
-core( -input "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.ac3" -output "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.mp4" -logfile "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.besweet.log" ) -azid( -s stereo -c normal -L -3db ) -dimzon( -dllname bse_FAAC.dll -b 160 ) -ota( -g max )
successfully started encoding
Processing ended at 4:07:36 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job2-1

BeSweet v1.5b31 by DSPguru.
--------------------------

[00:00:00:000] Initializing...
[00:00:00:000] -- Initializing...

[01:01:06:464] |

[01:01:06:464] Finalizing...
[01:01:06:464] Conversion Completed !

Visit DSPguru's Homepage at :
http://DSPguru.doom9.net/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job2-1 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job2-2
No desired size. Continuing without making any changes.
Starting job job2-2 at 4:07:36 PM
Job is a video job. encoder commandline:
--bitrate 500 --level 1.3 --no-cabac --subme 6 --analyse p8x8,b8x8 --qpmin 22 --me umh --threads 2 --progress --no-psnr --output "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4" "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs"
successfully started encoding
Processing ended at 4:07:37 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job2-2

avis [error]: unsupported input format (DIB )
could not open input file 'C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs'
desired video bitrate of this job: 500 kbit/s - obtained video bitrate: 0 kbit/s
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job2-2 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job2-3
Starting job job2-3 at 4:07:37 PM
Job is a mux job. Commandline:
-add "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4" -add "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.mp4":lang=eng -fps 24 -new "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.mp4"
successfully set up muxer
Processing ended at 4:07:38 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job2-3

Unknown input file type
Error importing C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4: Feature Not Supported
(Feature Not Supported)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

maybe the problem is selecting the "don't care" option for file size? I'm doing another test right now with the size as 1 CD. --- I finished the test with the 1 cd option and it still didn't encode. But the log file is different.

Generating jobs. Desired size: 734003200 bytes
Setting desired size of video to 734003200 bytes
Desired size of this automated encoding series: 734003200 bytes, split size: 0
Language of track 1 is English. The ISO code that this corresponds to is eng.
Autocropping successful. Using the following crop values: left: 8, top: 0, right: 6, bottom: 2.
Final resolution that is compatible with the chosen AVC Level: 320*240
Avisynth script created:
mpeg2source("C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.d2v")
#deinterlace
crop(8,0,-6,-2)

LanczosResize(320,240)
#denoise
Starting job job1-1 at 4:13:09 PM
Job is an audio job. Commandline:
-core( -input "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.ac3" -output "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.mp4" -logfile "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.besweet.log" ) -azid( -s stereo -c normal -L -3db ) -dimzon( -dllname bse_FAAC.dll -b 160 ) -ota( -g max )
successfully started encoding
Processing ended at 4:20:47 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job1-1

BeSweet v1.5b31 by DSPguru.
--------------------------

[00:00:00:000] Initializing...
[00:00:00:000] -- Initializing...

[01:01:06:464] |

[01:01:06:464] Finalizing...
[01:01:06:464] Conversion Completed !

Visit DSPguru's Homepage at :
http://DSPguru.doom9.net/

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job1-1 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job1-2
this series of jobs starts with an audio job and is followed by regular twopass video jobs
The audio job is named job1-1 the first pass job1-2 and the second pass job1-3
The second pass job has a desired final output size of 734003200 bytes and video bitrate of 500 kbit/s
The size of the first audio track is 73730706 bytes
Desired video size after substracting audio size is 644796Setting the desired bitrate of the subsequent video jobs to 528217 kbit/s
Starting job job1-2 at 4:20:47 PM
Job is a video job. encoder commandline:
--pass 1 --bitrate 528217 --stats "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.stats" --level 1.3 --no-cabac --subme 6 --analyse p8x8,b8x8 --qpmin 22 --me umh --threads 2 --progress --no-psnr --output NUL "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs"
successfully started encoding
Processing ended at 4:20:48 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job1-2

avis [error]: unsupported input format (DIB )
could not open input file 'C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs'

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job1-2 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job1-3
Starting job job1-3 at 4:20:48 PM
Job is a video job. encoder commandline:
--pass 2 --bitrate 528217 --stats "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.stats" --level 1.3 --no-cabac --subme 6 --analyse p8x8,b8x8 --qpmin 22 --me umh --threads 2 --progress --no-psnr --output "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4" "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs"
successfully started encoding
Processing ended at 4:20:48 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job1-3

avis [error]: unsupported input format (DIB )
could not open input file 'C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs'
desired video bitrate of this job: 528217 kbit/s - obtained video bitrate: 0 kbit/s
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
job job1-3 has been processed. This job is linked to the next job: job1-4
Starting job job1-4 at 4:20:48 PM
Job is a mux job. Commandline:
-add "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4" -add "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1 T01 2_0ch 192Kbps DELAY 0ms.mp4":lang=eng -fps 24 -new "C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.mp4"
successfully set up muxer
Processing ended at 4:20:49 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Log for job job1-4

Unknown input file type
Error importing C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1_Video.mp4: Feature Not Supported
(Feature Not Supported)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am thinking the problem may lie in the .avs file. The one generated is only 131 bytes. Which is much too small. Something, or some setting I have is messing with the creation of the avs script.

[Doom9]

avis [error]: unsupported input format (DIB )Well.. you posted the logfile which helps us narrow down the issue. The error is pretty self-explanatory.. x264 doesn't like your input. Which bodes the question what it is.. and your script has to output YV12. So do you have the helix yv12 filter installed, can you play the avs in a media player (to see if you get any warnings.. if you do.. they won't be in YV12 colorspace), and finally, check the script.. if it's a DVD input it shouldn't be an issue.. but if it's not (no d2v), then a converttoyv12 might come in handy.

[bond]

the input is propably an .avi with rgb

x264 only supports yv12 in .avi, or .avs with yv12 or .yuv with yv12 as input

[burgerpardis]

the input is vob files ripped from a dvd. I have the latest xvid installed, but I installed the helix yv12 filters anyway. the .avs is not playalbe in vlc, and as I said, I think something is wrong with the creation of the avs file as it is only 131 bytes. So should I try a complete uninstall and then reinstall of avisynth 2.5.5? I had 2.5.6 installed, then reverted back.

btw, the test after installing the helix filters was a match to the second log in the post of mine above.

edit: ok, I abandonded using the once click encoder and tried to go the long method. I made the .d2v file fine. Then I tried to create the .avs file and for some reson when I saved it the preview window showed this error:

[berrinam]

Get the latest version of MeGUI that's available on sourceforge, and open the avs file with that (simply drag and drop it onto the megui main window). It would seem that you have an error with your avs script, and this will tell you what it is. If the error message makes sense to you, then you can fix it yourself. If not, then report back with what it says.

PS. I don't think there is anything wrong with the avs file itself. I think the problem is dgdecode.dll being either the wrong version, or the d2v not in your avisynth plugins directory. There is no reason that the avs file can't be 131 bytes, as it is just plain text. In fact, I can guess what it will say if you open it with notepad:
mpeg2source("C:\BEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_PGC_01_1.d2v")
#deinterlace
crop(8,0,-6,-2)

LanczosResize(320,240)
#denoise
And that, with a trailing newline, is exactly 131 bytes. There's nothing wrong with that script.

[burgerpardis]

thanks for clearing that up berrinam. I did what you said and this message comes up:

"MPEG2Source: couldn't open source file, or obsolete D2v file (C:\DEST_OF_TRIUMPH\VIDEO_TS|VTS_01_PGC_01_1.avs, line 1"

hmm...could that mean bad data off the dvd? I didn't get any errors when ripping with dvd decypter.

I'm running a new test with a new DGDecode.dll....... ok it doesn't work. The new dgdecode gives a fatal error.

Desired size of this automated encoding series: 734003200 bytes, split size: 0
Language of track 1 is English. The ISO code that this corresponds to is eng.
DGDecode reported 0 frames in this file.
This is a fatal error.

Please recreate the DGIndex project

I'm going back to the dgdecode that came with dgindex.

[berrinam]

The important point is this: you must have the same version of DGDecode.dll as the version of DGIndex used to generate the d2v file.

[burgerpardis]

The important point is this: you must have the same version of DGDecode.dll as the version of DGIndex used to generate the d2v file.

problem fixed, thanks! I had an older version of DGDecode from dvd-rb in the avisynth plugin directory.

[burgerpardis]

sorry for the double post, but I want to bring up one last thing. the mp4 video will not play correctly in VLC. I have the latest ffdshow installed, in vlc, the top 1/4 of the screen looks good, but then the rest looks like it was smeared vertically. then it goes to a gray/silver color, then vlc shuts down. The file works in nero showtime and quicktime. I did a nero encode to mp4 with the same project and it works perfectly in vlc. (except the quality is a little lower) Is this a worry? why doesn't vlc like the file?

edit: I guess it does, itunes accepts the file and plays it fine. However, it will not transfer to the ipod because "the file is not playable."

[hardkorn]

What's with the 640x480. I've read the megui ipod guide and it says that is possible to convert to 640x480 resolution ipod mp4 format. But after I code something, itunes refuses to upload it onto my ipod. "Not compatible..." etc.
320x240 works fine but I've seen some 640x480 videos that can be uploaded and the latest ipod 1.3 firmware supports them.

Anyone know what did I do wrong? I used the 5.5g profile in megui and a hd clip as source, resized it to 640x480. Itunes refuses it. I know ipod 5th gen has only got a 320x240, but how are some other videos I've seen coded? Some are done with nero recode.

Any thoughts?

[Capsbackup]

What's with the 640x480. I've read the megui ipod guide and it says that is possible to convert to 640x480 resolution ipod mp4 format. But after I code something, itunes refuses to upload it onto my ipod. "Not compatible..." etc.
320x240 works fine but I've seen some 640x480 videos that can be uploaded and the latest ipod 1.3 firmware supports them.

Anyone know what did I do wrong? I used the 5.5g profile in megui and a hd clip as source, resized it to 640x480. Itunes refuses it. I know ipod 5th gen has only got a 320x240, but how are some other videos I've seen coded? Some are done with nero recode.

Any thoughts?

What profile are you using for the audio?

[hardkorn]

Custom - Lame MP3 CBR 128

[rack04]

What is the video bitrate? From what I remember there is a cap on bitrate depending on resolution.

[Capsbackup]

Custom - Lame MP3 CBR 128

Perhaps you could try : Nero AAC:NDAAC - IPod - Good or High and see if that works for you.
Also, what bitrate did you set for the video? I can't remember the max, but there is one!
EDIT: was thinking the same thing rack04. :)

Found this with a Google search:
The bit-rates listed for the iPod video are not combine, they are listed separately for video and audio. There is a bit of leeway though. According to Apple you can have 1500k Video and 160k audio and it should work on the iPod. Your experience highlights the fact that the video rate is not hard and fast at 1500k.
Found here: http://forum.handbrake.fr/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=242

[hardkorn]

The video bitrate: the default bitrate the ipod 5.5 profile is set to.

[Capsbackup]

The video bitrate: the default bitrate the ipod 5.5 profile is set to.

What is it? It is adjustable, so make sure you don't exceed 1500kbps, and 160kbps AAC audio and it should work. 128kbps AAC should be fine for an IPod though. Try the profile mentioned and see if it works. I am not aware if mp3 audio will work, so that may be the problem.

[saltman311]

This works for me. I am OK with being a bit excessive on the bitrate.

Preset - X264 iPod (5g, 5.5g)
Video
Automated 2 pass - bitrate 1200
Preset - slow
AVC Profiles - Baseline Profile
AVC Level - Level 3

Frame Type - All default except number of reference frames 3 instead of 5. (my personal choice)

Rate Control - default values

Analysis - default values

Misc - default values

Audio - Preset
Nero AAC:NDAAC - iPod - Good


***** Added information for clarity
I use DVD input that was ripped with DVD Decrypter or DVDFab HD Decrypter
My input size is 720x480 and resized to 640xwhatever, depending on the aspect ratio.
This setting has worked every time with itunes adding them to my iPod.

[hardkorn]

@saltman311

Can you please post the content of your *.avs script?

[saltman311]

Certainly

This is one of my most recent conversions.

Homemade dvd of a baby shower.

LoadPlugin("C:\Program Files\MeGUI\tools\dgindex\DGDecode.dll")
DGDecode_mpeg2source("C:\Temp2\BabyShower\VIDEO_TS\VTS_01_1.d2v", info=3)
LoadPlugin("C:\Program Files\MeGUI\tools\avisynth_plugin\ColorMatrix.dll")
ColorMatrix(hints=true, interlaced=true, threads=0)
Load_Stdcall_Plugin("C:\Program Files\MeGUI\tools\yadif\yadif.dll")
Yadif(order=0)
crop( 0, 0, -6, 0)

Lanczos4Resize(640,464) # Lanczos4 (Sharp)
#denoise

[hardkorn]

http://i33.tinypic.com/2w40mdt.jpg

My avs script

DirectShowSource("I:\video.mkv", fps=23.976, audio=false, convertfps=true)
#deinterlace
#crop
LanczosResize(640,480) # Lanczos (Sharp)
#denoise

ConvertToYV12()

ConvertToYV12() was added by the avs script creator automatically.

What the heck is wrong here?

No matter what I do, I can't upload 640x480 res videos onto my 5.5 gen ipod with 1.3 firmware.

[Capsbackup]

hardkorn;
If you are using the default profile with MeGui for iPod 5g, 5.5g, it is set, at least for me, at a Target quality of 20.0 CRF. This may be the problem. If you select Show Advanced Settings, then under Mode change from constant quality to Automatic 2pass, you can now change the bitrates and other settings.
If the other profile you have used works, just try to change your resolution with your Avisynth script, as with the example from saltman311 above, and bitrate with the profile you have been using.
Also, I would try the AAC audio profile as well, but if your current method worked you could stay with that.

[hardkorn]

Did that. Used automatic 2pass with modified ipod 5.5 profile.

I've selected "Show Advanced Settings" so I could change the bitrate manually and used all the advanced settings saltman311 mentioned. I've set the video bitrate at 1200 kb/s so within 5th gen ipod supported specs.

This is pissing me off.

Anyone?

[Capsbackup]

Did you try the profile that works but just change the resolution in the Avisynth script to 640 x 480? ( or Lanczos4Resize(640,464) # Lanczos4 (Sharp) )

[saltman311]

hardkorn and Capsbackup

I checked my iPod and the firmware is 1.1.2. So it seems weird that 1.3 (newer) would not accept what mine does. I Googled ipod firmware 1.3 and found a link to this page http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/consumer_electronics/stats/ipod_5thgen.html

I scrolled down to supported video and here it is -
Apple reports that the iPod 5G models support "H.264 video: up to 768 Kbps, 320x240, 30 frames per sec., Baseline Profile up to Level 1.3 with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats.MPEG-4 video: up to 2.5 mbps, 480 x 480, 30 frames per sec., Simple Profile with AAC-LC up to 160 Kbps, 48 Khz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4 and .mov file formats."

Which makes sense because it will not load the video to the iPod. But I am still confused with hardkorn's firmware being 1.3 and mine 1.1.2, I would expect his to work because mine does and he has a "more recent" firmware. But I don't know how Apple labels firmware. Is it by model/year or do they have a generic one size fits all. I don't know.

hardkorn - the following link goes through identifying the ipods - I don't know if it will help. It may clear up what the firmware 1.3 and model can actually support.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1353#ipodfifth2

Sorry nothing I suggested works. This is head scratcher for sure.

[Capsbackup]

I don't believe the difference is much unless the video is being output to a TV. The Ipod screen, for me anyway, does not show a distinguishable difference from 320 x 240 vs 640 x 480.

[hardkorn]

I own a 5th gen 80gb ipod for which the current latest firmware is v 1.3. On the megui x264 ->ipod conversion guide is it mentioned with the 1.3 fw as supporting 640x480. The thing is that I have a vido coded with nero recode at 640x480 and it will upload just fine. All my megui coded 640x480 videos won't.

That's my baby.:)
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1353#ipodfifth2

[Lyle_JP]

It could be a muxing issue. I remember reading somewhere that 640 pixel-width material required the proper atom or it wouldn't play on 5 and 5.5G ipods. There are modded versions of mp4box that will add the proper atom. I believe one modded version was called nicmp4box.

[Lighto]

@hardkorn, try using ripbot to encode your video and try to put it into your ipod.
If the same problem occur, it would seems that the problem lies with mp4box, the muxer used to mux mp4.

[hardkorn]

I just used nicmp4box and it works. Thanks Lyle_JP for the solution!

Another app that can add an atom to an mp4 so it becomes "itunes compliant" is AtomicParsley. http://atomicparsley.sourceforge.net/mpeg-4files.html. It's a little bit faster than nicmp4box and it works for 3GPP files.

Thank you all for your help!

[Sharktooth]

did you use the iPod device option for MP4 files?

[hardkorn]

I think I did, but not too sure what you mean. Can you pinpoint it for me?

Thank you.

edit: the ipod profile you mean? Yes I used the iPod (5G, 5.5G) profile.

[Lighto]

I think I did, but not too sure what you mean. Can you pinpoint it for me?

Thank you.

edit: the ipod profile you mean? Yes I used the iPod (5G, 5.5G) profile.

I think Sharktooth meant this.
http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/2324/79980442.png

[hardkorn]

I don't use autoencode. I just add video and audio to que and click start.

Should I?

[Capsbackup]

Yes you should use autoencode, with both the video and audio profiles set. These are the specific profiles with appropriate settings established to make the files compatible for the Ipod.

[Sharktooth]

the mp4 muxer window has the ipod option too.

[CKHSJ]

quicktime probably has some sort of post processing built in.
__________________
iPods: 80GB Video (Black), 30 GB Video (White), 1GB 1G iPod Nano (Black), 20GB B&W HP 4G iPod, 512MB 1st Gen iPod Shuffle (Lost)
Comps: AMD Athlon XP 2400+ 1GB Ram: Win XP Pro/ Core 2 Duo 2.4Ghz 4GB Ram: Windows Vista Home Premium/ 3.2GHz P4 3GB Ram: Win XP Pro/ Core 2 Duo 2Ghz 2GB Ram: Vista Home Premium.

[Sharktooth]

what?

[hardkorn]

Sharktooth

Is there any good app that could sync audio and video streams obtained from a matroska container?

I've used dgavcindex and after I convert the *.h264 to mp4(ipod profile) and mux it with the aac audio file, they're out of sync. Nothing that I tried helped. I converted the audio to mp3 as I've read that *.aac format is not syncable.
I tried mp4mbox with all the guis I could find, but can't sync the audio&video.

[Sharktooth]

that's a MP4Box known issue. try replacing the mp4box that comes with megui (tools folder) with this one (includes both 32 and 64 bits builds): http://www.mediafire.com/?1fu44g35otxf1ei
see if it helps and report back :)

[Capsbackup]

Sharktooth

Is there any good app that could sync audio and video streams obtained from a matroska container?

I've used dgavcindex and after I convert the *.h264 to mp4(ipod profile) and mux it with the aac audio file, they're out of sync. Nothing that I tried helped. I converted the audio to mp3 as I've read that *.aac format is not syncable.
I tried mp4mbox with all the guis I could find, but can't sync the audio&video.

If you are using Megui's MP4 muxer, make sure you select the correct FPS for your reencode when muxing. I have found that the correct FPS is not always detected correctly for x264 streams, but if you set it to your reencodes FPS, the mux has audio sync.
A few recent attempts from Blu-ray to Ipod were perfectly in sync after selecting 23.976FPS from the drop down arrow, where Megui had set 47.952FPS. :confused:

[Sharktooth]

ipod requires Baseline profile and mp4box had a known bug with newer x264 versions, expecially with baseline.

[hardkorn]

Tried the gpac mp4box compile, thanks for this, but the A&V are still out of sync.

[Sharktooth]

Then follow the Capsbackup suggestion.

[Sharktooth]

@hardkorn & others: according to this (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=1441995#post1441995) it's a mediainfo bug and should be fixed in the next version.

[Sharktooth]

the problem should be fixed. run the auto-update and ensure you get the new mediainfo package.

[hardkorn]

Which mediainfo.dll should I use? The one LoRd_MuldeR compiled or the one from the mediainfo package from the project's website, because they both are v 0.7.35.0 but different sizes. Megui autoupdate doesn't detect a 0.7.35.0 v but still the 0.7.33.1 version.

edit: nevermind I edited settings.xml http://megui.org/auto/stable to http://megui.org/auto/

[hardkorn]

Is it necessary to add a special metatag to mp4 files so they're compatible with iphones/ipads or does the mp4muxer's ipod option takes care of that too?

[Sharktooth]

the ipod option is there for that reason.

[hardkorn]

back again

For some reason one of my encoded files isn't copied to my ipod. Another file encoded using the same ipod megui profile is compatible, but this one won't.

Here's the mediainfo output:

General
Complete name : test.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : JVT
Codec ID : avc1
File size : 437 MiB
Duration : 50mn 49s
Overall bit rate : 1 201 Kbps
Encoded date : UTC 2010-11-18 13:13:05
Tagged date : UTC 2010-11-18 13:13:05

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Baseline@L3.0
Format settings, CABAC : No
Format settings, ReFrames : 1 frame
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 50mn 49s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 1 200 Kbps
Maximum bit rate : 3 624 Kbps
Width : 320 pixels
Height : 240 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 23.976 fps
Original frame rate : 47.952 fps
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.652
Stream size : 436 MiB (100%)
Writing library : x264 core 107 r1766 f9f0035
Encoding settings : cabac=0 / ref=1 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=7 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=0 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=0 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=1 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=0 / weightp=0 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=23 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=40 / rc=2pass / mbtree=1 / bitrate=1200 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / vbv_maxrate=2500 / vbv_bufsize=2000 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00 / nal_hrd=none
Encoded date : UTC 2010-11-18 13:13:05
Tagged date : UTC 2010-11-18 13:45:4

I used the autoencode option so it was ipod tagged but it is not compatible. Another test segment from a DVD source is fine. Same settings, profile. The source is an xvid file though. Does that make a difference?

[j8ee]

Isn't the max bitrate too high?

[jethro]

if you're using iTunes to copy and it complains, try SharePod for this file.