Standalone WVC1 codec released!

[zambelli]

Please note that the WMV9/WVC1 encoder DMO included in the WM Format SDK 11 (and WMP11) package replaces this beta codec on the Windows XP platform. The beta codec continues to be available for Server 2003 customers, but is generally not recommended for XP users anymore.

After weeks of delays, I'm happy I can finally write this: the long awaited standalone WVC1 (Windows Media Video 9 Advanced Profile) codec package is available for download.

You can download the install package directly from:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/4/c/34c55eb4-a89b-418c-8192-9c941a4e5596/wvc1dmo.exe

The package includes:
wvc1dmoe.dll - WMV9 Advanced Profile Encoder DMO BETA
wvc1dmod.dll - WMV9 Advanced Profile Decoder DMO
WMCmd.vbs - Updated WME9 command-line encoder script

Install requirements:
Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 SP1
Windows Media Format SDK 9.5 or Windows Media Player 10


You can't install this update over WMP11 (XP or Vista) - nor do you want to. WVC1 encoder is already a part of WMF11 runtime.

The package also includes an update to WMCmd.vbs, the first since Windows Media Encoder 9 Series was released 3.5 years ago. The update to WMCmd.vbs will only be installed if you already have WME9 installed on your system! It will overwrite your existing WMCmd.vbs in your WME9 folder, so if you really really really want to keep the old one for some reason - make a backup of it prior to installation.

If you have already installed WMP11 beta and would only like to get the WMCmd.vbs update, I have made it available as a separate download:

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=974126


Finally... If you have questions or comments regarding either this install package or this specific encoder DLL (wvc1dmoe.dll) - please post them here. If you have comments and questions about WMV9 AP encoding in general, they might be better suited for this (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=111275) thread.

[Sharktooth]

That sounds definatly good :)

[Valeron]

good news~
i haven't installed the WMP 11 beta cause it's a high load stuff, my system is out of resource to deal with that bigware

last but not least, considering it ship couple of day after the WMP beta, is the encoder dmo a newer build?

[zambelli]

last but not least, considering it ship couple of day after the WMP beta, is the encoder dmo a newer build?
By date, yes, but both releases were locked down around the same time so I don't think there are significant changes between them. You can safely install the standalone version.

[leiming2006]

Good job!
I'll try it.

I wonder if it can offer a funtion that encode files by 1-pass Bitrate VBR like realproducer.
2-pass encoder is quite good but it costs too much time.
I think it'll be better that CBR if the steam won't be used in the Internet.

[zambelli]

I wonder if it can offer a funtion that encode files by 1-pass Bitrate VBR like realproducer.
2-pass encoder is quite good but it costs too much time.
I think it'll be better that CBR if the steam won't be used in the Internet.
If you increase the size of the video buffer (default = 5 sec), you can make the 1pCBR mode act more like a 1pVBR mode with average bitrate. Try setting the video buffer to 60 seconds or maybe even 120 secs if your content is long (i.e. feature movie length). You'll probably get better quality out of 1pCBR.

[killerhex]

im reinstalling wmp 10 wmp11b is a resource hog

[zambelli]

im reinstalling wmp 10 wmp11b is a resource hog
Make sure you follow the uninstall instructions described in the WMP11 release notes.

[killerhex]

i did

[diogen]

You can download the install package directly from:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/4/c/34c55eb4-a89b-418c-8192-9c941a4e5596/wvc1dmo.exeWhen running the file it insists on SDK 9.5.
Runtime from WMP 11 beta didn't.
Does this mean the runtime wasn't actually the full/right codec package?

Diogen.

[zambelli]

When running the file it insists on SDK 9.5.
Runtime from WMP 11 beta didn't.
Does this mean the runtime wasn't actually the full/right codec package?
I'm not sure I understand your question. When WMP11 came out I said that everyone wanting to test the new WVC1 encoder but NOT wanting to install the full WMP beta will have an opportunity to do so with this standalone package.

[foxyshadis]

I get the same error on trying to install the codec package (requires WMF 9.5 SDK, will not install). Is that SDK even available yet? Wasn't last I checked.

[diogen]

It was probably my fault, I just run the wmfdist11.exe file from the WMP 11 beta distribution to get the codecs.
The only one difference I noticed (compared to WMP 11 install) was the unusable Pause button (always greyed out).

Is that SDK even available yet?I think it's available for 6 months or so.

EDIT: Have a look here.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsmedia/downloads/default.aspx

Diogen.

[bond]

You can download the install package directly from:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/4/c/34c55eb4-a89b-418c-8192-9c941a4e5596/wvc1dmo.exe

The package includes:[list]
wvc1dmoe.dll - WMV9 Advanced Profile Encoder DMO BETA
wvc1dmod.dll - WMV9 Advanced Profile Decoder DMOheya zambelli

i tried to decode one of the wmv9 ap clips with this decoder (its still the old one from 2005, is this meant to be that way?) but it doesnt work
in graphedit a graph is build which has file source -> asf icm handler -> wmv9 advanced profile decoder -> video renderer but when i push play i simply dont get a picture

any idea whats wrong?

edit: i also cant register the encoder!? "loadlibrary failed"

[zambelli]

Foxyshadis & Diogen :readfaq:

Install requirements:
Windows XP or Windows Server 2003 SP1
Windows Media Format SDK 9.5 or Windows Media Player 10

As you can see, this release is aimed primarily at XP users who want to try the new WVC1 encoder beta but don't want to install the full WMP11 beta, and Server 2003 users who can't install WMP11 beta anyway. You can't install this update over WMP11 (XP or Vista) - nor do you want to. WVC1 encoder is already a part of WMP11 runtime.

WMF 9.5 is the SDK that installs with WMP10. Uninstalling WMF11 beta and then re-installing WMP10 will re-install WMF SDK 9.5 too.

[zambelli]

i tried to decode one of the wmv9 ap clips with this decoder (its still the old one from 2005, is this meant to be that way?) but it doesnt work
in graphedit a graph is build which has file source -> asf icm handler -> wmv9 advanced profile decoder -> video renderer but when i push play i simply dont get a picture
Yes, the decoder is the same one as what's available from the codec server through WMP.
ASF ICM Handler? That seems unnecessary unless you've got VCM/ACM codecs handling the content of the ASF file.
When I render video in GraphEdit, I get the ASF source filter outputting raw video and audio directly to WM audio and video decoders.

any idea whats wrong?
edit: i also cant register the encoder!? "loadlibrary failed"
What WMF SDK version do you have installed?

[bond]

Yes, the decoder is the same one as what's available from the codec server through WMP.
ASF ICM Handler? That seems unnecessary unless you've got VCM/ACM codecs handling the content of the ASF file.
When I render video in GraphEdit, I get the ASF source filter outputting raw video and audio directly to WM audio and video decoders.hm ic, what is the name of this "asf source filter" and where do i get it (guessing that i dont have it already)

What WMF SDK version do you have installed?hm i realise none :/

i am using windows 2000, any chance to get this to work? like with a really standalone encoder/decoder? :D

[zambelli]

hm ic, what is the name of this "asf source filter" and where do i get it (guessing that i dont have it already)
hm i realise none :/
i am using windows 2000, any chance to get this to work? like with a really standalone encoder/decoder? :D
The latest WM Format SDK officially available for W2K is 9.0, which installs with WMP9 or WME9. You can try installing WMF 9.5 SDK (http://download.microsoft.com/download/9/f/d/9fdfb288-b4bf-45fa-959c-1cc6d909aa92/wmformat95sdk.exe)on Windows 2000, but I'm not sure you'll be able to. You might have to settle for 9.0.

I've been told there are features of the AP codec that require 9.5 SDK. Nobody around here has really tested the codec with older SDK runtimes, so I have no idea whether you'll run into issues if you force install WVC1 onto Windows 2000 with WMF 9.0 SDK. It's totally unsupported and untested - so you're on your own there.

[bond]

hm this sdk 9.5 is for windows xp only :(

are there any plans to make the codec available without needing any 70mb sdks, working eg on windows 2000? i kinda wonder why this all is needed. other codecs are available in files smaller than 1mb and work on all windows versions...

[zambelli]

hm this sdk 9.5 is for windows xp only :(
I figured it might be. WMF 9.0 is then the last one released for Win2000. Just install WM Encoder 9.0 and it'll install the WMF SDK runtime for you. If you force a WVC1 codec install on it (i'm sure you know how), the codec might work - I've never tried myself.

are there any plans to make the codec available without needing any 70mb sdks, working eg on windows 2000? i kinda wonder why this all is needed. other codecs are available in files smaller than 1mb and work on all windows versions...
How do you think those other codecs work? Most of them require DirectShow or VfW to work, right? When I say "WMV encoder requires WM Format SDK runtime version so-and-so", that's like saying "DivX encoder requires DirectShow runtime". Each codec is designed for a specific platform - WMV encoder DMOs just happen to be designed for WMF SDK.

The 70MB package I pointed you to was that big because I couldn't find a link to the much smaller runtime distro.

As for Windows 2000 support - that OS ended its lifecycle (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx)over a year ago. Mainstream support (http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3071) expired last year too, which means MS doesn't plan to release any new products or major component updates for that OS. From this point on it's pretty much just basic maintainance for W2K.

[bond]

any chance to get a directshow version of the encoder/decoder?

[Golgot13]

It is possible to encode a elementary VC1 stream (*.es) to HD DVD
application.

I wait Windows Encoder Studio. I see it at NAB, nice but I need to test it
People can compare video encode with this tool (from Microsoft tool) and
Inlet video encoding (Fathom card, alone card to encode in HD VC1 in real time).


Golgot13

[zambelli]

any chance to get a directshow version of the encoder/decoder?
Technically, if you have WMF SDK runtime installed, you can use DMO encoders through DirectShow too. There's a whole set of DShow filters that gets installed with WMF SDK that allows wrapping most WMF objects in DShow.
I'm not sure why you're so opposed to installing WMF runtime. It's just another Windows multimedia SDK, much like DirectShow and VfW.

[zambelli]

It is possible to encode a elementary VC1 stream (*.es) to HD DVD
application.
A VC-1 bitstream is a VC-1 bitstream, so it's possible to write a tool that will extract the elementary stream out of a container such as ASF.

[Cheech]

Sorry for being a noob, but I think I'm missing something. When I try to open a avs file it tells me my Source 1's class is not registered. You mentioned something about plugins but I don't see an AVISynth plugin option to register. I am using XP x64, could this be why its not showing up under the plugin's list?

[zambelli]

Sorry for being a noob, but I think I'm missing something. When I try to open a avs file it tells me my Source 1's class is not registered. You mentioned something about plugins but I don't see an AVISynth plugin option to register. I am using XP x64, could this be why its not showing up under the plugin's list?
Are you using 64-bit WME9? Are you using 64-bit Avisynth?

[DeathTheSheep]

Sorry for being a noob too (at CLI runnin'), but the readme says:
For usage help, just type from the command-line:
cscript wmcmd.vbs
Well, when I do that, there's so much info there that the MS-DOS window ends up cutting the first half of the documentation off. Is there a way to paginate the info, or to access individual components of the documentation at a time? Or better yet, is there an online version? Thanks.

[benwaggoner]

It is possible to encode a elementary VC1 stream (*.es) to HD DVD application.
Not currently. FWIW, we're using ".vc1" for the extension for those.

I wait Windows Encoder Studio. I see it at NAB, nice but I need to test it. People can compare video encode with this tool (from Microsoft tool) and Inlet video encoding (Fathom card, alone card to encode in HD VC1 in real time).

It's still several weeks out. And yes, I'm even more frustrated than you that it's taking this long (I was probably the guy who demoed it for you at NAB).

The beta won't have elementary stream support, though. That'll be coming in a followup release later this year.

I'd love to hear more about what you're trying to do with HD DVD. In particular, what muxing tool are you using?

[benwaggoner]

Sorry for being a noob too (at CLI runnin'), but the readme says:
For usage help, just type from the command-line:
cscript wmcmd.vbs
Well, when I do that, there's so much info there that the MS-DOS window ends up cutting the first half of the documentation off. Is there a way to paginate the info, or to access individual components of the documentation at a time? Or better yet, is there an online version? Thanks.
It's actually the command prompt, not a MS-DOS window. DOS is, thankfully, long gone.

The simplest thing you can do is make your Window bigger. If you go to options (right-click on "c:\" icon in the upper left corner), you can set your Window Size Height. I use 85 on my 1920x1200 display. If you "modify shortcut that started this window" it'll always open in the new size.

Easiest way to paginate (revealing my UNIX-y background) is to type "|more" at the end. The "|" is the shift "\" key.

[DeathTheSheep]

Oh, thank ye very much, problem solved :D
OK, that aside, next question. I have the following commandline:
CScript.exe wmcmd.vbs -input test.mp3 -output test.wma -a_mode 3 -a_codec WMAPRO -a_setting 64_44_2_16

But when I start the encode process, command prompt reports: Start encoder failed with error -1072886846 The requested audio codec is not installed on this system. The WMA10Pro encoder works fine in 64kbps CBR mode and q25 vbr mode, but 64kbps bitrate-controlled VBR mode doesn't work. Am I doing something wrong?

[mpgxsvcd]

Oh, thank ye very much, problem solved :D
OK, that aside, next question. I have the following commandline:
CScript.exe wmcmd.vbs -input test.mp3 -output test.wma -a_mode 3 -a_codec WMAPRO -a_setting 64_44_2_16

But when I start the encode process, command prompt reports: The WMA10Pro encoder works fine in 64kbps CBR mode and q25 vbr mode, but 64kbps bitrate-controlled VBR mode doesn't work. Am I doing something wrong?

I get the same error in Windows Media encoder 9 when I try to use the new pro audio and the bitrate-controlled VBR mode.

[DeathTheSheep]

Yup, bug confirmed with WME9 here too :)

[zambelli]

Yup, bug confirmed with WME9 here too :)
Thanks for the bug report, guys. I have a local repro, so I'll take it from here. Thanks!

[mike_lee]

As for Windows 2000 support - that OS ended its lifecycle (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/lifecycle/default.mspx)over a year ago. Mainstream support (http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/?p1=3071) expired last year too, which means MS doesn't plan to release any new products or major component updates for that OS. From this point on it's pretty much just basic maintainance for W2K.

God you sound like a Borg HaHa - Anyway thanks for the goodies.

.

[zambelli]

God you sound like a Borg HaHa - Anyway thanks for the goodies.
Well, just pointing out the information that's publicly available online. :)
Back to my Kool-Aid... :rolleyes:

[mike_lee]

I didn't get the *kool-aid reference so I googled Borg +kool-aid.
I didn't realize people referred to MS as the Borg, sorry didn't mean anything. But I used to play Everquest with some MS guys and maybe, during 15 hour camps in everfrost, the mentioned it.

*I still don't get that although it must have something to do with Jonestown. MS forcing everyone to commit technological suicide or something

[DeathTheSheep]

technological suicide
:o What the heck is that?

[mike_lee]

:o technological suicide: What the heck is that?

It's when you pass on the Betamax and opt for that snazzy VHS deck.

[leeperry]

any chance getting this thing to work in Vdub ? :D

[Dayvon]

It's when you pass on the Betamax and opt for that snazzy VHS deck.
LOL True that.:D

[Cheech]

Are you using 64-bit WME9? Are you using 64-bit Avisynth?
Yes. No. Ooops! I knew it was something stupid like that, I will try it out :)

[zambelli]

Yes. No. Ooops! I knew it was something stupid like that, I will try it out :)
64-bit processes can only use 64-bit DLLs. In the case of a 64-bit encoder, that means that only 64-bit codecs can be used to decode sources.

[Cheech]

Mmmk I installed the 32 bit version of WME and although I see a lot more choices for plugins, AVIsynth is still not one of them :(

[zambelli]

Mmmk I installed the 32 bit version of WME and although I see a lot more choices for plugins, AVIsynth is still not one of them :(
Because there isn't an Avisynth source plugin. Just specify "Both device and file" and point the Video and/or Audio inputs to the .avs file.
Or use the updated wmcmd.vbs for command-line encoding.

[Cheech]

Because there isn't an Avisynth source plugin. Just specify "Both device and file" and point the Video and/or Audio inputs to the .avs file.
Or use the updated wmcmd.vbs for command-line encoding.
Oh... Well in that case:
http://www.nonyaz.com/temp/images/thumbnails/random/SMALL_WMEEEE.jpg (http://www.nonyaz.com/temp/images/albums/random/WMEEEE.jpg)

[zambelli]

Oh... Well in that case:
Check again. You didn't quite follow my directions. :)

[Cheech]

Check again. You didn't quite follow my directions. :)
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, Got it now :P

[zambelli]

What the check the audio? I did both, then I tried them separately to troubleshoot, I just happen to take the screenshot when I was trying just the video.
Nope. I said "Both device and file". Your screenshot clearly shows "File" as the selected source.

[Cheech]

Nope. I said "Both device and file". Your screenshot clearly shows "File" as the selected source.
Ok, I got it working fine and dandy now, except for one little detail, the only thing I can't do is import AC3 audio, I tried using the NicAudio.dll plug-in in avisynth to load it. It plays fine in virtualdub, but in WME9, it says "The input media format is invalid" is this a known limitation with WME or should I pursue more help in another forum?

[zambelli]

Ok, I got it working fine and dandy now, except for one little detail, the only thing I can't do is import AC3 audio, I tried using the NicAudio.dll plug-in in avisynth to load it. It plays fine in virtualdub, but in WME9, it says "The input media format is invalid" is this a known limitation with WME or should I pursue more help in another forum?
How many channels is NicAudio outputting?

Generally people rely on tools like BeSweet to decode the Dolby Digital audio to WAV PCM. It's an extra step in the process, but you'll know exactly what you're getting before you encode.