DDogg
19th July 2001, 01:42
Please make a contribution (http://order.kagi.com/?8XD) to show your appreciation and to encourage further development.
Note: New Q&As always at the bottom of the doc
-------------------
Q&A
This is a "Living Q & A" for DVD2SVCD. It will be updated constantly based upon your questions and other information coming in. Please ask questions as a reply to this post but change the subject line to something appropriate that indicates your question. Post questions *ONLY* after reading the Q&A from top to bottom. Those questions can/will/may be answered by one of many experienced users including the author of the program, aka "DVD2SVCD". Those questions and answers will be, from time to time, moved up into the following Q&A Post.
For the record: The author of this program does not encourage or condone the use of DVD2SVCD for anything other than the legitimate backing up of DVDs that are legally purchased.
Current maintainers (as of Jul 8, 2001) of this Q&A are DVD2SVCD**, DDogg*, MrBass* & Mozart*. (*) have no official affiliation with the author(**), or the program (DVD2SVCD) other than as a volunteer helpers.
If any of you see a post with a good question and answer you think would be a good addition just reply with a link to point to it and we will pick it up. Plz, occasionally take a few seconds and help out with this!
E-Mail
Problem Reports (dvd2svcd.bug@notrace.dk)
Suggestions (dvd2svcd@notrace.dk)
Secondary (if primary bounces):
Problem Reports (dvd2svcd.bug@softhome.net)
Suggestions (dvd2svcd@softhome.net)
Please respect the fact that the author likes to write code, not email
Hang Out DOOM9s DVD2SVCD Forum - Anything you need to know about ALL aspects of the video backup scene, and a huge software library and forum, can be found on the DOOM9 web-site (http://www.doom9.org)
Minimum System Requirements - PIII or Athlon. 128 ram barely functions. 256 ram, 384 is better. Be aware CCE 2.5 is very particular on what processors it supports. Go to the Cinema Craft Website for more information. PIIs are not supported.
Software
DVD2SVCD Website and Archives
DVD2SVCD Homepage (http://www.notrace.dk/) or try DVD2SVCD Homepage (direct) (http://212.88.77.140)
If you don't get the bundle remember and get the additional software also found on DVD2SVCD's homepage
----------------------
From the author:
The only reason that dvd2svcd works as it does and perhaps makes your life a bit easier, is because dvd2svcd is standing on the Shoulders of Giants. Without people like Maven, Jakei, Brent Beyeler, Midas, Hard Code, Wimpy, Hiroyuki Hori, MPEG2Dec author (?), Custom Technology, Enreach, Ben Rudiak-Gould, Edwin Van Eggelen, Avery Lee, Herbert Valerio Riedel, Nautilus, Wizard, Dividee, shh, DSPguru and people like Doom9 and his loyal forum members (doom9.net), DVD2SVCD would be nothing. Thank the above programmers, they're the real brains. Special thanks to Dividee for helping find the subtitle bug.
-----------------------
Doom9 DVD2SVCD Guide (http://www.doom9.org/mpg/dvd2svcd.htm)
Quick DVD2SVCD References slapped together by mrbass.
Updated to 1.0.4 Build 2. Thanks to Schultz for hosting.
Newbie Reference (http://www.edensrising.com/dvd2svcd_newbieref.html)
Advanced Reference (http://www.edensrising.com/dvd2svcd_advref.html)
Newbie FAQ (http://rilanparty.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=8127) read if your new to SVCD creation or DVD2SVCD.
Q&A:
Q1: What is DVD2SVCD? What exactly is it used for?
A: DVD2SVCD automates the complex multiple steps, and the very latest techniques, to backup DVDs to CDRs for later playing on a standalone DVD player (that supports playing VCD/SVCDs). DVD2SVCD supports all steps from extracting the video information from the DVD, to the final creation of ready to burn to CDR .bin/.cue format files (CDrwin/Fireburer/Nero).
Difficult requirements like multiple audio tracks and multiple subtitles are all automated for the less experienced user. DVD2SVCD even has a NTSC to PAL conversion feature
Q2: What commercial software is required?
A: Cinema Craft Encoder version 2.50 and only 2.50, the reason that it must be this old version is that it's the latest version that supports .AVS script files. The quality of this version is equal to the latter versions.
Q3: Are all Cinema Craft encoding modes supported?
A: Yes, all modes for 1 pass VBR, VBR multipass and, now CBR are supported
Q4: How long does the whole process take?
A: DVD2SVCD uses the latest AviSynthMMX/Mpeg2Dec YUV2 frame serving techniques. This is presently the fastest method available. The process will generally run between .65 and 1.00 realtime depending on processor speed. Normally most users use three passes to get "like DVD" results. So, three times your machine's realtime capability will have you ready to burn your cdrs.
Example: An 850 Athlon consistently shows .67-.85 RT. This varies with the aspect ratio of the disk being backed up, but normally, completes the 3 pass process in 7 to 12 hours. CBR mode is single pass. It can encode as fast or faster than real-time on a 1.4+ mhz machine but most agree quality will be slightly less than multipass unless the bitrate is very high. DVD2SVCD works while you sleep :)
Q5: Will using DVD2SVCD cure my Fast Forward and seeking problems in my standalone DVD player?
A: Assuming these functions are properly implemented in your standalone player (not all are done correctly) the final CDR should play fine and all, or most, of the features you were having problems with should work correctly. VCDImager and VCDXBuild (both supported in DVD2SVCD) do a good job in following the proper specifications. Many of you using Nero to directly create your SVCDs that have had problems may find your problems have vanished. Example: On DDogg's Apex-703, FForward (2,4,8X), FReverse, slow frame, seeking, repeat AB segment, and time indicator now work perfectly, with no problems, for the first time, thus preventing the aformentioned Apex-703 from being thrown against the wall and dying an untimely death. :-)
Q6: Why should I not use my computer for other things during an encoding session with DVD2SVCD?
A: Q6 is no longer relevant and therefore removed
Q7: My SVCD won't play right on my PC. Is something wrong with the my encode?
A: Probably not. Always burn a copy and try on your standlone player before becoming concerned. Less experienced users may not have the correct playback filters on their PC. One indicator of the problem is when the audio seems out of sync by a large margin on NTSC backups.
Try installing PowerDVD or WinDVD, and then test playback. Special filters are installed with these products that allow NTSC svcds with the pulldown flag set to play correctly using software playback on your PC.
Q8: Why won't vStrip start ripping?
A: You probably haven't installed proper ASPI drivers. You can find the ASPI drivers further down on this page.
Q9: I don’t want to use your average bitrate calculation, how do I override it to use my own?
A: Just type in the same average bitrate you want to use in both "Max. avg. box" and "Min. avg. box" in the Bitrate Tab. This is not recommended unless you are experienced and have a special need, or you are using CBR, in which case you will need the use of a bitrate calculator to arrive at the value to put in the min and max value boxes.
Q10: The colors of the subtitles isn’t right, what can I do about that?
A: When the Subtitle preview window is shown you have a column called Palette. Press the button in that column to change the Palette.
Q11: I don’t want any Subtitles in the first stream of my SVCD but I want it to start from stream 2. How can I do that?
A: Also in the subtitle preview window. In the row where the "Subtitle Stream No." is 1 press the Dropdown button and select "Deselect". It is also in that column you can switch or add subtitle streams. It's the button to the right in the "Subtitle Stream No." column. You get this when the subtitle window (preview) pops up.
Q12: I have encoded a PAL movie but the encoded movie is filled with interlaced lines. What can be done about that?
A: Some PAL movies are Telecined (especially in Australia) and there has to be performed a 2:2 pulldown. Just select "PAL Telecined (interlaced)" in the Conversion tab, however, mostly you don't have to worry about interlaced movies, as they usually plays perfectly using a standalone player + tv, the interlaced lines will only occur on the pc.
Q13: The aspect ratio of the encoded video looks wrong. How do I fix that?
A: I use the information from the VOB file to preset the Aspect Ratio, but unfortunately the VOB file is sometimes wrong. You can change to the right Aspect Ratio in the Conversion tab (4:3 or 16:9).
It is highly recommended you verify the Aspect Ratio before beginning the process by reading the specs of the DVD on the jacket or online like Amazon.com. More experienced users can rip a short vob chapter section and open with DVD2AVI, previewing and noting the aspect ration in the stats window.
Q14: I read the above but still can't find out the aspect ratio. What should I do?
A: Check the pause checkbox in the dvd2avi tab. When DVD2SVCD is paused, open windows explorer, go to the directory you specified for your output and find the two AVS files there. One will end in 4:3 and the other 16:9. Double click on one and play in media player to see which one looks correct. Then resume the encoding process and quickly go to the conversion tab in DVD2SVCD and select the appropriate ratio that you determined to be correct.
Q15: How does your Audio Selection work?
A: In the Audio Tab you can select up to 2 audio streams. If dvd2svcd can’t find Priority Audio 1 it will look for the audio stream you’ve selected in priority 2. Besides that it also selects the AC3 stream which has the most channels to get the best surround quality.
Q16: I have pre Beta 12 RC1. It takes a lot of time to downmix the ac3 stream to wav because azid reports downmix overflow and restarts. Any solution?
A: Q16 is no longer relevant and therefore removed
Note: New Q&As always at the bottom of the doc
-------------------
Q&A
This is a "Living Q & A" for DVD2SVCD. It will be updated constantly based upon your questions and other information coming in. Please ask questions as a reply to this post but change the subject line to something appropriate that indicates your question. Post questions *ONLY* after reading the Q&A from top to bottom. Those questions can/will/may be answered by one of many experienced users including the author of the program, aka "DVD2SVCD". Those questions and answers will be, from time to time, moved up into the following Q&A Post.
For the record: The author of this program does not encourage or condone the use of DVD2SVCD for anything other than the legitimate backing up of DVDs that are legally purchased.
Current maintainers (as of Jul 8, 2001) of this Q&A are DVD2SVCD**, DDogg*, MrBass* & Mozart*. (*) have no official affiliation with the author(**), or the program (DVD2SVCD) other than as a volunteer helpers.
If any of you see a post with a good question and answer you think would be a good addition just reply with a link to point to it and we will pick it up. Plz, occasionally take a few seconds and help out with this!
Problem Reports (dvd2svcd.bug@notrace.dk)
Suggestions (dvd2svcd@notrace.dk)
Secondary (if primary bounces):
Problem Reports (dvd2svcd.bug@softhome.net)
Suggestions (dvd2svcd@softhome.net)
Please respect the fact that the author likes to write code, not email
Hang Out DOOM9s DVD2SVCD Forum - Anything you need to know about ALL aspects of the video backup scene, and a huge software library and forum, can be found on the DOOM9 web-site (http://www.doom9.org)
Minimum System Requirements - PIII or Athlon. 128 ram barely functions. 256 ram, 384 is better. Be aware CCE 2.5 is very particular on what processors it supports. Go to the Cinema Craft Website for more information. PIIs are not supported.
Software
DVD2SVCD Website and Archives
DVD2SVCD Homepage (http://www.notrace.dk/) or try DVD2SVCD Homepage (direct) (http://212.88.77.140)
If you don't get the bundle remember and get the additional software also found on DVD2SVCD's homepage
----------------------
From the author:
The only reason that dvd2svcd works as it does and perhaps makes your life a bit easier, is because dvd2svcd is standing on the Shoulders of Giants. Without people like Maven, Jakei, Brent Beyeler, Midas, Hard Code, Wimpy, Hiroyuki Hori, MPEG2Dec author (?), Custom Technology, Enreach, Ben Rudiak-Gould, Edwin Van Eggelen, Avery Lee, Herbert Valerio Riedel, Nautilus, Wizard, Dividee, shh, DSPguru and people like Doom9 and his loyal forum members (doom9.net), DVD2SVCD would be nothing. Thank the above programmers, they're the real brains. Special thanks to Dividee for helping find the subtitle bug.
-----------------------
Doom9 DVD2SVCD Guide (http://www.doom9.org/mpg/dvd2svcd.htm)
Quick DVD2SVCD References slapped together by mrbass.
Updated to 1.0.4 Build 2. Thanks to Schultz for hosting.
Newbie Reference (http://www.edensrising.com/dvd2svcd_newbieref.html)
Advanced Reference (http://www.edensrising.com/dvd2svcd_advref.html)
Newbie FAQ (http://rilanparty.com/vbb/showthread.php?threadid=8127) read if your new to SVCD creation or DVD2SVCD.
Q&A:
Q1: What is DVD2SVCD? What exactly is it used for?
A: DVD2SVCD automates the complex multiple steps, and the very latest techniques, to backup DVDs to CDRs for later playing on a standalone DVD player (that supports playing VCD/SVCDs). DVD2SVCD supports all steps from extracting the video information from the DVD, to the final creation of ready to burn to CDR .bin/.cue format files (CDrwin/Fireburer/Nero).
Difficult requirements like multiple audio tracks and multiple subtitles are all automated for the less experienced user. DVD2SVCD even has a NTSC to PAL conversion feature
Q2: What commercial software is required?
A: Cinema Craft Encoder version 2.50 and only 2.50, the reason that it must be this old version is that it's the latest version that supports .AVS script files. The quality of this version is equal to the latter versions.
Q3: Are all Cinema Craft encoding modes supported?
A: Yes, all modes for 1 pass VBR, VBR multipass and, now CBR are supported
Q4: How long does the whole process take?
A: DVD2SVCD uses the latest AviSynthMMX/Mpeg2Dec YUV2 frame serving techniques. This is presently the fastest method available. The process will generally run between .65 and 1.00 realtime depending on processor speed. Normally most users use three passes to get "like DVD" results. So, three times your machine's realtime capability will have you ready to burn your cdrs.
Example: An 850 Athlon consistently shows .67-.85 RT. This varies with the aspect ratio of the disk being backed up, but normally, completes the 3 pass process in 7 to 12 hours. CBR mode is single pass. It can encode as fast or faster than real-time on a 1.4+ mhz machine but most agree quality will be slightly less than multipass unless the bitrate is very high. DVD2SVCD works while you sleep :)
Q5: Will using DVD2SVCD cure my Fast Forward and seeking problems in my standalone DVD player?
A: Assuming these functions are properly implemented in your standalone player (not all are done correctly) the final CDR should play fine and all, or most, of the features you were having problems with should work correctly. VCDImager and VCDXBuild (both supported in DVD2SVCD) do a good job in following the proper specifications. Many of you using Nero to directly create your SVCDs that have had problems may find your problems have vanished. Example: On DDogg's Apex-703, FForward (2,4,8X), FReverse, slow frame, seeking, repeat AB segment, and time indicator now work perfectly, with no problems, for the first time, thus preventing the aformentioned Apex-703 from being thrown against the wall and dying an untimely death. :-)
Q6: Why should I not use my computer for other things during an encoding session with DVD2SVCD?
A: Q6 is no longer relevant and therefore removed
Q7: My SVCD won't play right on my PC. Is something wrong with the my encode?
A: Probably not. Always burn a copy and try on your standlone player before becoming concerned. Less experienced users may not have the correct playback filters on their PC. One indicator of the problem is when the audio seems out of sync by a large margin on NTSC backups.
Try installing PowerDVD or WinDVD, and then test playback. Special filters are installed with these products that allow NTSC svcds with the pulldown flag set to play correctly using software playback on your PC.
Q8: Why won't vStrip start ripping?
A: You probably haven't installed proper ASPI drivers. You can find the ASPI drivers further down on this page.
Q9: I don’t want to use your average bitrate calculation, how do I override it to use my own?
A: Just type in the same average bitrate you want to use in both "Max. avg. box" and "Min. avg. box" in the Bitrate Tab. This is not recommended unless you are experienced and have a special need, or you are using CBR, in which case you will need the use of a bitrate calculator to arrive at the value to put in the min and max value boxes.
Q10: The colors of the subtitles isn’t right, what can I do about that?
A: When the Subtitle preview window is shown you have a column called Palette. Press the button in that column to change the Palette.
Q11: I don’t want any Subtitles in the first stream of my SVCD but I want it to start from stream 2. How can I do that?
A: Also in the subtitle preview window. In the row where the "Subtitle Stream No." is 1 press the Dropdown button and select "Deselect". It is also in that column you can switch or add subtitle streams. It's the button to the right in the "Subtitle Stream No." column. You get this when the subtitle window (preview) pops up.
Q12: I have encoded a PAL movie but the encoded movie is filled with interlaced lines. What can be done about that?
A: Some PAL movies are Telecined (especially in Australia) and there has to be performed a 2:2 pulldown. Just select "PAL Telecined (interlaced)" in the Conversion tab, however, mostly you don't have to worry about interlaced movies, as they usually plays perfectly using a standalone player + tv, the interlaced lines will only occur on the pc.
Q13: The aspect ratio of the encoded video looks wrong. How do I fix that?
A: I use the information from the VOB file to preset the Aspect Ratio, but unfortunately the VOB file is sometimes wrong. You can change to the right Aspect Ratio in the Conversion tab (4:3 or 16:9).
It is highly recommended you verify the Aspect Ratio before beginning the process by reading the specs of the DVD on the jacket or online like Amazon.com. More experienced users can rip a short vob chapter section and open with DVD2AVI, previewing and noting the aspect ration in the stats window.
Q14: I read the above but still can't find out the aspect ratio. What should I do?
A: Check the pause checkbox in the dvd2avi tab. When DVD2SVCD is paused, open windows explorer, go to the directory you specified for your output and find the two AVS files there. One will end in 4:3 and the other 16:9. Double click on one and play in media player to see which one looks correct. Then resume the encoding process and quickly go to the conversion tab in DVD2SVCD and select the appropriate ratio that you determined to be correct.
Q15: How does your Audio Selection work?
A: In the Audio Tab you can select up to 2 audio streams. If dvd2svcd can’t find Priority Audio 1 it will look for the audio stream you’ve selected in priority 2. Besides that it also selects the AC3 stream which has the most channels to get the best surround quality.
Q16: I have pre Beta 12 RC1. It takes a lot of time to downmix the ac3 stream to wav because azid reports downmix overflow and restarts. Any solution?
A: Q16 is no longer relevant and therefore removed