Latest Mencoder with Core2 processors optimization?

[artisanicview]

I have a lot of TV shows to encode and I chosed Mencoder to make the jod but the problem is, the version I have is a little outdated and is ecoding using only one of my two cores of my Core2Duo processor.

I want to ask if know somebody a more recent (maybe nightly build) windows version of mencoder who have optimizations for Core2Duo processors? I want to use both of my cores to speedup the process of encoding the files.

P.S. And how to encode in mp4 format with h264 and AAC sound using mencoder?

[Sirber]

you have to use "threads=auto" for x264 IIRC.
read the doc

[DarkZell666]

mp4 output is b0rked in mencoder AFAIK.
You're going to have to encode the video and the audio separately and mux them together with mp4box. Otherwise, you'll have to use the ffmpeg cli instead (mp4 output is ok and it does most of what mencoder does, and even more). (get ffmpeg here: http://tirnanog.fate.jp/mirror/ffmpeg/)

Also, there's no C2D-specific stuff, but chances are you'll find a more optimized build of mencoder here : http://tirnanog.fate.jp/mirror/mplayer/ (kindly provided by CelticDruid). Also, the mplayer man page states there is a "threads" option (values between 1 and 4) for the -x264encopts switch, which should fit your needs.

Edit: threads=auto does work indeed, my doc isn't up to date on that point, rofl.

[artisanicview]

Thanks Sirber and DarkZell666 for your tips. Lot to learn here.

[Sirber]

I've found ffmpeg harder to use than mencoder.
And MP4 output is effectively broken with mencoder. You need to output in RAW then merge back to MP4 (using the right fps) using mp4box.

[artisanicview]

I tryed the latest core2 buid (mplayer2007.03.31.core2.7z 31-Mar-2007 17:08 4.1M ) from http://tirnanog.fate.jp/mirror/mplayer/ but when I try to encode something Im getting the following error message: "FATAL: Cannot initialize video driver". Any clues what this means and how to fix the problem? Thanks in advice.

I have a Core2Duo T7200 2.0GHz cpu, a GeForceGo 7900GS and Vista OS.

[DarkZell666]

What's your actual command-line ?
Moreover, try the latest vanilla build (the one that doesn't have any optimisations, here (http://tirnanog.fate.jp/mirror/mplayer/mplayer2007.04.25.P4.7z))

Edit: oh yeah, using Vista hmm ? I bet that's 90% of the explanation :rolleyes:
Nah just kidding, but chances are the mplayer devs haven't completed the vista support yet.

[DarkZell666]

Second thoughts, I also have this same error when I want to watch content that has a too high resolution.


[swscaler @ 00CD1990]SwScaler: using unscaled yuv420p -> bgr24 special converter
VO: [directx] 1280x720 => 1280x720 Planar YV12
<vo_directx><ERROR>create surface failed with 0x88760168
<vo_directx><FATAL ERROR>can't use overlay mode: please use -vo directx:noaccel
FATAL: Cannot initialize video driver.


... and this is with mplayer only. mencoder doesn't show that error and shouldn't anyway, so be sure you launched the proper .exe ;)

[artisanicview]

I have this problem only with the newests builds of mencoder. Unfortunately I dont maked a backup to the older version, so, now I cant use mencoder anymore.

Also, Im using mplayer under Vista and is running very well. Now Im waching the 9minutes presentation or Ratatooes in HD ( http://progressive.totaleclips.com.edgesuite.net/100/b10098_b2f.mov ) vithout problems. The only problem is mencoder who dont want to start beacouse cant initialize the video driver!!!!

[DarkZell666]

mencoder shouldn't initialize any video driver at all anyway, since it doesn't render anything on the screen ... (this is why it smells fishy :p)

Actually, some old builds of mencoder are still available here :
http://tirnanog.fate.jp/mirror/mplayer/
The earliest builds listed are from July 2006.

The download page offers the latest official mplayer build (which may work differently) :
http://www.mplayerhq.hu/design7/dload.html

Also, browsing around the ftp section I fell upon this :
ftp://ftp1.mplayerhq.hu/MPlayer/releases/win32/
Which offers the official 1.0pre8 build from ... June 2006 =)

This should be old enough for you to test with.
Try as many builds as you can, so you can narrow down at what date mencoder broke. This would help solving the problem a LOT.