AVI2SVCD - AVI DV File Conversion Problem

[mileskat]

The AVI file I want to use in AVI2SVCD is 14GB and was run through my SVHS deck to a Canopus ADVC100 (no frames dropped and no
audio/video sync problems), then firewire to pc. Captured with the Ulead Direct Show capture plug-in. I assume this AVI file is Type-1 DV.

In DVD2SVCD 1.0.9b2, I've chosen AVI from the Misc. tab as the input file.
The error message is: "Unknown fccType in header. (iavs). Try using Canopus DV AVI converter." So I downloaded Canopus DV File Converter and checked the "Premiere compatible Canopus AVI 2. The conversion process stops at 36%. So I tried the "Microsoft DV (AVI 2) in the Canopus DV File Converter. Same problem - it stops at 36% with the message: "Your destination AVI has not been completely written." There is plenty of room on the harddrive. The Canopus converter works fine on small, test AVIs (3 min).

Then I tried the shareware program, aDVanced DV File Converter, and converted my large AVI to a Type 2/open DML AVI Canopus codec. It works fine, and if I paid the shareware fee (to remove the unregistered version labels), I'd have a large AVI that I can use in AVI2SVCD. I used the Type 2/open DML AVI in AVI2SVCD and it worked well (except for the unregistered version labels in the AVI frames).

Questions:
1. Is there a size limit on the file the Canopus DV File Converter uses? I didn't think so if I was converting to an AVI 2. What can I do in order to use the free Canopus DV File Converter on AVI files 14GB or larger?

2. Would using a different codec in capturing w/MSP6.5 eliminate the extra step of DV file conversion? I want to use AVI2SVCD for the final process.

3. Would using the MainConcept DV codec in MSP6.5 work? I downloaded it but don't know how to get MSP6.5 to acknowledge the codec. Or is the aDVanced DV File Conversion a pretty good route to take?

Abit KRyA-133, Athlon XP1800+, 512 MB Mushkin PC2100, Asus GF3T500, Maxtor DMPlus 80 & 40 GB, Audigy, XP.
Thanks for the response.
Mileskat

[mrbass]

I like Vegas video (I've tried Ulead Media Studio and Ulead forgot name)...when I use canopus converter it only takes a couple of seconds to convert a 13GB .avi file mini-DV.

[mileskat]

Thanks for the reply, mrbass. Do you need to convert your AVI capture (for use with AVI2SVCD) when you use Video Vegas 3? What codec are you using with Video Vegas?

Since you can convert 13 GB files with the Canopus utility, I'm puzzled as to why I can't convert the AVI 1 file I captured with MSP6.5 (using the Ulead Direct Show capture plug-in) using the Canopus DV File Converter. It stops at 36%, but when I use the aDVanced DV File Converter (Type 2/open DML avi), it works fine.

Mileskat

[rrolsbe]

Just wanted to do a quick post to let the original poster know that I am having the same problem trying to convert a 9GB file, captured with ULEAD VideoStudio6,with the Canopus DV converter. Works fine with captures smaller that 1GB. I will post if I find a low or no cost solution.

[mileskat]

rrolsbe -
I ended up paying the shareware fee for aDVanced DV File Converter. It works very well converting large AVI Type 1 files to AVI Type 2/Open DML (and more). You can download a fully functional version for trial. Upon registration ($33 USD), you'll not have the text plastered on your AVI. There could be other/cheaper routes to take but being rather new at this, I don't know them.
Mileskat

[machura]

I dont know why, but DV (Sony D8) to SVCD is very, very poor quality !

Do You know some settings for better quality ( with CC* ) ?

My SVCD has more bricks, moire. Grass and water is worst.

[rrolsbe]

When converting my 9GB type-1 DV capture using either the Canopus DV or aDVanced file converters, they both stop at about4G. Both the input and output files are NTFS, which should not have the FAT32 4G limit. Am I missing something here???? Have any of you conveted files larger that 4GB successfully? If so, exactly what options did you select?


In aDVanced I am selecting Type2AVI

In Canupus I selected (Canopus Edit compatible AVE(AVI 1) I think??
Not sure if this is the correct option but DVD2SVCD would accept the converted file.
Using Canupus I successfully converted small DV files and used DVD2SVCD to convert the files to MPEG2 bin/cue files (The final SVCD looked great). The files were captured from a Sony camera using Firewire. When I try to convert DV files larger than 4G the conversions fail.

Any Insight would be very helpful!!!
Thanks
Ron

[mileskat]

rrolsbe -

Yes, I've used the aDVanced DV File Converter on files larger than 4BG.

Make sure that you select this in the OPTION:
(convert to Type2/openDML AVI). If you select Type2 AVI (without openDML AVI), I think it won't work on files larger than 4GB.

For the codec (in aDVanced DV File Converter), I selected Canopus.
Try these setting - it should work fine.

machura -

Sorry I don't use a DV camera. Don't have an answer for you.

mileskat

[Mac Sidewinder]

@ Machura - what program are you using now to output to svcd? I use studio 7 but not its built in svcd routines (it gives horrible results). Instead I output the file as an avi (using the dv codec) and then bring it into dvd2svcd and use cce on it. Gives great results.

Mac

[gunnimabi]

:o Why not use DVDCutter, it's a perfect video editor, the registered version can help you turn avi into svcd smoothly, then you can use Nero to burn it. You can download DVDCutter in www.jummpa.com
You can also download "Nero Burning ROM 5.5.8.2 & SVCD_Plugin & Mp3Pro_Plugin" from the Free Download Area of www.jummpa.com

[Mac Sidewinder]

@gunnimabi - every post I read from you says the same thing: "why not try DVDCutter" and "get it at www.jummpa.com". Enough with the advertising. I'm sure your pat answer doesn't solve everybody's questions. I have a great interest in transferring dv sources to svcd and have tried just about every program. I have come to the conclusion that nothing beats cce or tmpge for results. I have more control and flexability with these programs.

Mac

[gerti67]

@Mac Sidewinder:
Thanx for your effort on telling gunnimabi how to behave in this forum and what is appreciated in here and what not. I really appreciate that. :)

But I think, you won't get an answer from him within the next 30 days, as he now got his 3 strike for pestering the forums with his advertisements (that's all he was going for) and was suspended for this period.

Again, thanx for taking part in here,
Gerti

[Mac Sidewinder]

@gerti67
Thanks, glad to help - get tired of the sos sometimes

@Machura
What programs are you using to transfer from your dv camera to hard drive? Which codec are you using? And finally, what program are you using to convert to svcd? I can list what I use if you would like.

Mac

[spidey]

Hi Mac Sidewinder, I need your help with DV to SVCD. I was reading this post and you seem to have had alot of success. My main intrest is Home movies taken with MiniDV camera and making a SVCD. What i've done so fare is DV to PC through firewire, captured with Ulead Video Studio 6 and started to mess with Premiere 6, and then edited the video. Then render to the same setting as DV. Then I use AVI2SVCD to make a SVCD. I used a guide found on doom9 "Mini-DV to SVCD" It came out looking ok, but I was hoping to get better quality, at least DV qualiy. I don't know what to expect ether. How good should the end product be? as good as DV? or VHS? I'm getting some "noise" or "artifact" around people and objects. any suggestions you have is much appreciated. If you need to know exactly what I set every thing at let me know. THANKS

[paul8883]

I did some conversion from mini DV to CVD/SVCD. Usally I transfer the avi file from camcoder to PC via firewire with the one of the following programs (all works fine):
- MSP 6.5 (type 1 avi)
- AVIO (don't remeber, I don't use it anymore)
- ScLive (type 2 avi)

Then I use the following programs to convert miniDV to CVD/SVCD:
1) tmpgenc 2.53 or later (read both dv type 1 and dv type 2)
2) use avi2svcd (dvd2svcd) with CCE 2.62
don't ask me why, seems cce 2.62 can read dv type 1 directly.

The only problem is my home video usally contain very fast motion and the scnario changed very often. That make the quality of the CVD/SVCD is not good on the low video bitrate ( < 2520 kbps) which my dvd player can support it

[Mac Sidewinder]

@Spidey

Here is a link on a discussion we had about dv to svcd. The only thing that I have changed since then is I use an image quality setting of 24 now.

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25271

As far as expected output, it depends on a few different factors. You probably will never approach dvd quality but you CAN get some pretty good outputs. Here are my recommendations:

1. Use a tripod whenever possible. Check out the single leg type if you are limited on space. One reason home videos are hard to compress is that the frame is always "shaking" when you hand hold the camera. This one single thing will greatly improve the quality of your video.

2. If you are making a svcd, use cce. If you are making a vcd, use tmpge. (imho)

3. Use filters. The sharpness filter and the smooth filter will help with ringing artifacts.

4. Use the default bitrate in dvd2svcd. Actually its better to increase it slightly. DV input requires high bitrate to look good. I usually set the length of a 800mb cd to 45 mins.

5. Leave the video interlaced. If you de-interlace it, most of the time it will look jumpy on the tv. TV is interlaced anyway so just leave it that way.

6. When you output your video from your editing program, ensure you use a dv codec (anything else will produce a lower quality output). For an hour video, the file will be around 13gb in length.

See the above link and let us know how its going. Remember that you won't get DVD quality but you can get it to look pretty good.

Mac

[magneez]

the canopus and ulead ones are crap. the only one that works with huge files is the "aDVanced DV File Converter". google "dvfcp141.exe".