Peculiar language audio problem on Japanese anime DVD

[4th alphabet]

hi, i'm having this peculiar problem ripping a Japanese anime DVD i have (Serial Experiments Lain #2). when i rip from the DVD, the audio language of the first 3 VOB files are in Japanese, but for some strange reason, the 4th VOB file is in English. this is also how the VOB files are originally on the DVD itself. because the audio language on this 4th VOB file conflicts with the rest, when i use DVD2SVCD to convert, i get the video but with a mute audio track.

if i rip chapters spanning over the first 3 VOB files and the 4th VOB file, no matter what language setting i choose, the first 3 VOB files will be in Japanese and the 4th VOB file will turn out in English. however, if i rip just chapters within the 4th VOB file seperately, i can get it as Japanese. i thought of ripping the first 3 VOB files and the 4th VOB file seperately and then joining them, but this isn't an option because one of the chapters in the movie overlaps the 3rd and 4th VOB file, and if i rip that chapter, the 4th VOB file will always come out in English.

i suspect the 4th VOB file being in English was a mistake in production, as all other DVDs in this Japanese series have VOB files in Japanese. it's just this one VOB file on this episode.

i hope was able to explain the problem clearly enough. has anybody here encountered such a problem or know a way of getting around it? i'm not sure how to rip just the 4th VOB file seperately in Japanese.

[manono]

Hi-

I'm not real sure what you're saying. You do know that the language that plays when you just play the vobs means nothing, right? If the vob plays in Japanese, that doesn't mean only Japanese is on the DVD or in the vob. Unless you already pulled out one language, the languages are still in the vobs. You didn't say how you decrypted the vobs. If you rip using Smart Ripper you'll get an INFO file that will tell you what languages are inside the vobs. As for why you got a mute SVCD, I have no idea, unless you had already demuxed that particular audio stream, or screwed up something when setting up DVD2SVCD. I've done Lain before with no problem-both languages are available for all episodes. You can click on Lain at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/103-5299359-6079802) and prove it to yourself.

[4th alphabet]

if i rip the VOB file from the Lain DVD and it plays in English on my hard disk, are you saying that i can still convert it to an SVCD in Japanese?

when i rip the DVD with DVD2SVCD (selecting Japanese audio), all the VOB files play in Japanese on my hard drive, except for the last VOB file which plays in English. same thing on the DVD itself, all VOB files play in Japanese except the last one plays in English. i know this doesn't matter when i play the DVD itself as i can always switch the audio track, but when opening the VOB files on their own there is only one default audio track and i can't change the audio language.

thanks for responding btw, i could definitely use the help.

p/s my Lain DVD is Region 4.

[Jason28]

I had something like this happen to me when I was converting Cowboy Bebop. When I ripped the vob files to my HD and I played them they would play in Japanese. When I converted them though they were in English. If you try to convert the episodes and they still come out in Japanese then you can try to rip each episode with Smartripper. With Smartripper you can select what language that you want to rip from the DVD. Then when you play the vob files they will only have that language.

Just so you know you might end up with some synch issues if you use Smartripper. If that does happen then you can use the internal routines to rip the vob files that Smartripper has already ripped.


I hope this helps you out. If you have any questions just ask. :)

[4th alphabet]

thanks for the tip. i just tried ripping with SmartRipper and managed to get that VOB file on my hard disk playing in Japanese. however, i noticed after converting with DVD2SVCD the video comes out ok, but once again the audio is mute. i noticed that it's this one particular VOB file. whatever chapters that i convert from it, the audio will turn out mute.

anyone have any ideas what might be going on here? i'm completely lost.

here's the log file that was created when i tried converting 3 chapter from the DVD (1 chapter is in the VOB file i mentioned) and the audio turned up mute.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:29:39 PM
- DVD to SVCD Conversion
- DVD2SVCD ver. 1.0.9 build 2
--------------------------------------------------------
Initializing
Initializing finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:29:43 PM
- Free on drive C: 9860.39 mb
- Internal rip
--------------------------------------------------------
Preparing vobfiles to be ripped:
- C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\vts_04_1.vob
- C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\vts_04_2.vob

Ripping: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\vts_04_1.vob
Ripping: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\vts_04_2.vob
Ripping finished. Speed: 5605

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:31:14 PM
- DVD2AVI
--------------------------------------------------------
Creating DVD2AVI INI file:
- C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\DVD2AVI\DVD2AVI.INI

Variable settings:
iDCT_Algorithm: 32-bit SSE MMX

Executing DVD2AVI.
Executing DVD2AVI. Commandline:
"C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\DVD2AVI\DVD2AVI.exe" -CS=2 -YR=1 -EXIT -OF=[C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\DVD2AVI_Project_file] -IF=[C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\vts_04_1.vob,C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\vts_04_2.vob]
Framerate: 25000
DVD2AVI processing done.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:31:39 PM
- Free on drive C: 9367.64 mb
- AUDIO Extraction
--------------------------------------------------------
Found AC3 stream id: 0x81
Filename: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
Audio1 delay: -264 ms
Audio extraction finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:32:14 PM
- Free on drive C: 9338.29 mb
- AUDIO conversion
--------------------------------------------------------

Converting Audio to MP2. Filename: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
Executing BeSweet. Commandline:
"C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\BeSweet\BeSweet.exe" -core( -input "C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3" -output "C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2" -logfile "C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log" ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal -g max ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )
Audio conversion of C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 finished.

Audio conversion finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:33:30 PM
- Free on drive C: 9352.96 mb
- Video Encoding using Cinema Craft
--------------------------------------------------------

Executing Cinema Craft Encoder.
StreamSectors: 413874188
AudioSectors: 15714888
VideoPAPO: 6167700
ScanOffsetBytes: 19229
SeqAligningBytes: 1222097
DVDBytes: 0
VideoEndHeader: 4
SubtitleSectors: 0
EmptySectors: 238.00
PictureSectors: 0.00
PureMPEGStream: 390750270.13
Seconds: 645.96
CalcMPEGStream: 390750270.13
Frames: 16024
CDSize: 398.00
Cut point 394.00
Variable Settings:
Frames: 16024
Anti Noise Filter: 2
Passes: 4
Image Quality: 5
VAF file creation: On
Video Encoding Mode: One Pass VBR
Q. Factor: 5
Min. bitrate: 1900
Max. bitrate: 2250
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (No borders, encoded as 4:3)

---AVS Begin---
LoadPlugin("C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\SIMPLE~1\SIMPLE~1.DLL")
LoadPlugin("C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\MPEG2Dec\mpeg2dec.dll")
mpeg2source("C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\DVD2AV~1.D2V")
SimpleResize(480,576)
ResampleAudio(44100)
----AVS End----

Closing program
CCE Max Speed: 1.050
Video Encoding finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:55:40 PM
- Free on drive C: 8764.67 mb
- Converting Pictures from ES to PS
--------------------------------------------------------
Saving bbMPEG settings: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\default.ini
--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:55:43 PM
- Free on drive C: 8764.66 mb
- Converting Pictures from ES to PS
--------------------------------------------------------
Saving bbMPEG settings: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\default.ini
--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:55:45 PM
- Free on drive C: 8764.66 mb
- Multiplexing and cutting
--------------------------------------------------------
Saving bbMPEG settings: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\default.ini
Offset in Seconds: 2
Executing bbMPEG.
Variable Settings:
Movie offset: 2 seconds
Cut point: 394 mb

Executing RunbbMPEG. Commandline:
"C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\RunbbMPEG.exe" "C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\bbMPEG_Muxed_File.mpg"
Multiplexing and cutting finished.

CD-Image creation finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 2/08/2002 11:57:20 PM
- Free on drive C: 8373.47 mb
- SVCD Creation finished!
--------------------------------------------------------

[Labersack]

If your rip the VOBs with smartripper, select under streamprocessing only the language you want to have, and only the VOB 1-3. Notice to what stream# your languages are maped to. After this rip the last VOB seperatly and be sure your language is maped to the same stream number. If not, change the stream# manualy. (with your problem I think the last VOB has different steams for the same language.) Rip the resulting files again with DVD2SVCD.

[manono]

Hi-

if i rip the VOB file from the Lain DVD and it plays in English on my hard disk, are you saying that i can still convert it to an SVCD in Japanese?

Yep-that's exactly what I'm saying. In the same post you say:

i know this doesn't matter when i play the DVD itself as i can always switch the audio track,

The fact that you can play both languages when playing the DVD is proof that both languages are in the vobs and can be ripped.

There's a chance that Labersack is right in saying that either the same language is on both streams (never heard of that, though-would indicate a huge mastering error), or perhaps they switched the stream names for your 4th episode (also never heard of that happening). Did you try playing either the AC3 or the .mp2 and confirm that the whole thing is in Japanese? If the AC3 and the .mp2 are OK, I think it would indicate a muxing problem. You didn't rename the .mp2 did you?

[4th alphabet]

hey labersack, thanks for the guide. i think i've managed to zero down the problem to one particular chapter on the 3rd VOB file. it's this single chapter that causes the audio to turn up mute. i've tried converting other chapters in the 3rd VOB file and they turn out ok, but when i try to convert this chapter (either on its own or together with other chapters), then the audio will turn out mute. i tried out what you said with SmartRipper and here's what i got;


this is the stream info for the chapter in the 3rd VOB file that comes out with mute audio;

Stream[001] X=[[0xE0] Video PAL 720x576] [PTS 992:50:40] [Delay 0 ms] [@1] []
Stream[002] 0=[[0x80] Audio English AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 992:46:46] [Delay -234 ms] [@3] [320 kb/s]
Stream[003] X=[[0x81] Audio Japanese AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 992:46:16] [Delay -264 ms] [@3] []
Stream[004] X=[[0x20] Subtitle English ] [PTS 998:29:20] [Delay 20320 ms] [@7555] []
Stream[005] X=[[0x??] Others] [] [] [] []

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

this is the stream info for another chapter in the 3rd VOB file (this file turns out fine when i convert).

Stream[001] X=[[0xE0] Video PAL 720x576] [PTS 938:58:40] [Delay 0 ms] [@2] []
Stream[002] 0=[[0x80] Audio English AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 938:55:18] [Delay -202 ms] [@19] [40 kb/s]
Stream[003] X=[[0x81] Audio Japanese AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 938:53:44] [Delay -296 ms] [@1] [640 kb/s]
Stream[004] X=[[0x20] Subtitle English ] [PTS 940:56:00] [Delay 7040 ms] [@3041] []
Stream[005] X=[[0x??] Others] [] [] [] []

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

this is the stream info for a chapter in the 4th VOB file (this turns out fine when i convert)

Stream[001] X=[[0xE0] Video PAL 720x576] [PTS 1152:02:40] [Delay 0 ms] [@2] []
Stream[002] 0=[[0x80] Audio English AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 1151:58:46] [Delay -234 ms] [@19] []
Stream[003] X=[[0x81] Audio Japanese AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 1151:58:16] [Delay -264 ms] [@1] []
Stream[004] X=[[0x20] Subtitle English ] [PTS 1153:00:40] [Delay 3480 ms] [@1307] []
Stream[005] X=[[0x??] Others] [] [] [] []

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

this is the stream info for a chapter that overlaps the end of the 3rd VOB file and start of the 4th VOB file (this also turns out fine when i convert)

Stream[001] X=[[0xE0] Video PAL 720x576] [PTS 1058:48:40] [Delay 0 ms] [@1] []
Stream[002] 0=[[0x80] Audio English AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 1058:45:42] [Delay -178 ms] [@34] []
Stream[003] X=[[0x81] Audio Japanese AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 1058:44:08] [Delay -272 ms] [@15] [48 kb/s]
Stream[004] X=[[0x20] Subtitle English ] [PTS 1063:12:00] [Delay 15800 ms] [@6094] []
Stream[005] X=[[0x??] Others] [] [] [] []

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

and here's the stream info for a chapter on the 2nd VOB file (this turns out fine when i convert).

Stream[001] X=[[0xE0] Video PAL 720x576] [PTS 553:22:40] [Delay 0 ms] [@1] []
Stream[002] 0=[[0x80] Audio English AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 553:19:18] [Delay -202 ms] [@19] []
Stream[003] X=[[0x81] Audio Japanese AC3(2Ch) 48kHz ] [PTS 553:18:16] [Delay -264 ms] [@19] []
Stream[004] X=[[0x20] Subtitle English ] [PTS 556:40:40] [Delay 11880 ms] [@4737] []
Stream[005] X=[[0x??] Others] [] [] [] []

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

can you guys pick up any irregularities in that particular chapter on the 3rd VOB file? i can't figure out why the audio isn't being extracted properly. here's the log from DVD2SVCD when i tried converting just that chapter.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:12:37 PM
- DVD to SVCD Conversion
- DVD2SVCD ver. 1.0.9 build 2
--------------------------------------------------------
Initializing
Initializing finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:12:39 PM
- Free on drive C: 11018.68 mb
- Internal rip
--------------------------------------------------------
Preparing vobfiles to be ripped:
- E:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_04_1.vob
- E:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_04_2.vob
- E:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_04_3.vob
- E:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_04_4.vob

Ripping: E:\VIDEO_TS\VTS_04_3.vob
Ripping finished. Speed: 5875

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:13:13 PM
- DVD2AVI
--------------------------------------------------------
Creating DVD2AVI INI file:
- C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\DVD2AVI\DVD2AVI.INI

Variable settings:
iDCT_Algorithm: 32-bit SSE MMX

Executing DVD2AVI.
Executing DVD2AVI. Commandline:
"C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\DVD2AVI\DVD2AVI.exe" -CS=2 -YR=1 -EXIT -OF=[C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\DVD2AVI_Project_file] -IF=[C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\VTS_04_1.vob]
Framerate: 25000
DVD2AVI processing done.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:13:22 PM
- Free on drive C: 10986.19 mb
- AUDIO Extraction
--------------------------------------------------------
Found AC3 stream id: 0x81
Filename: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
Audio1 delay: -264 ms
Audio extraction finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:13:34 PM
- Free on drive C: 10975.26 mb
- AUDIO conversion
--------------------------------------------------------

Converting Audio to MP2. Filename: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
Executing BeSweet. Commandline:
"C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\BeSweet\BeSweet.exe" -core( -input "C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3" -output "C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2" -logfile "C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log" ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal -g max ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )
Audio conversion of C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 finished.

Audio conversion finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:14:07 PM
- Free on drive C: 10984.95 mb
- Video Encoding using Cinema Craft
--------------------------------------------------------

Executing Cinema Craft Encoder.
StreamSectors: 413874188
AudioSectors: 5893664
VideoPAPO: 6319836
ScanOffsetBytes: 7118
SeqAligningBytes: 452414
DVDBytes: 0
VideoEndHeader: 4
SubtitleSectors: 0
EmptySectors: 238.00
PictureSectors: 0.00
PureMPEGStream: 401201151.73
Seconds: 242.28
CalcMPEGStream: 401201151.73
Frames: 5932
CDSize: 398.00
Cut point 394.00
Variable Settings:
Frames: 5932
Anti Noise Filter: 2
Passes: 4
Image Quality: 5
VAF file creation: On
Video Encoding Mode: One Pass VBR
Q. Factor: 5
Min. bitrate: 1900
Max. bitrate: 2250
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 (No borders, encoded as 4:3)

---AVS Begin---
LoadPlugin("C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\SIMPLE~1\SIMPLE~1.DLL")
LoadPlugin("C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\MPEG2Dec\mpeg2dec.dll")
mpeg2source("C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\DVD2AV~1.D2V")
SimpleResize(480,576)
ResampleAudio(44100)
----AVS End----

Closing program
CCE Max Speed: 1.040
Video Encoding finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:21:05 PM
- Free on drive C: 10952.48 mb
- Converting Pictures from ES to PS
--------------------------------------------------------
Saving bbMPEG settings: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\default.ini
--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:21:08 PM
- Free on drive C: 10952.47 mb
- Converting Pictures from ES to PS
--------------------------------------------------------
Saving bbMPEG settings: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\default.ini
--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:21:10 PM
- Free on drive C: 10952.47 mb
- Multiplexing and cutting
--------------------------------------------------------
Saving bbMPEG settings: C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\default.ini
Offset in Seconds: 2
Executing bbMPEG.
Variable Settings:
Movie offset: 2 seconds
Cut point: 394 mb

Executing RunbbMPEG. Commandline:
"C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\bbMPEG\RunbbMPEG.exe" "C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\bbMPEG_Muxed_File.mpg"
Multiplexing and cutting finished.

CD-Image creation finished.

--------------------------------------------------------
- 3/08/2002 1:21:32 PM
- Free on drive C: 10808.50 mb
- SVCD Creation finished!
--------------------------------------------------------


thanks for taking the time to help out. i know this post is HUGE.

[4th alphabet]

manono, when i play the .mp2 file created by DVD2SVCD from the chapter, it is mute. i didn't modify/rename the file in any way. i also played the section of the VOB file which contains the chapter. it plays in Japanese and the audio is fine throughout. any ideas?

[Jason28]

Does the log of BeSweet have ant errors in it? Post that as well please. :)

[4th alphabet]

man, this is consuming my entire Saturday. :scared:

ok, i've narrowed it down even further now. the chapter converts fine if i choose English audio. it's only mute if i convert with Japanese audio selected. also, i discovered that although the .mp2 file created is mute, the .ac3 file that is extracted plays fine. your guess is right Jason, looks like the problem comes from the audio conversion, resulting in a mute .mp2 file.

here's the BeSweet log;

BeSweet v1.3b12 logfile.
--------------------------
Logging start : 08/03/02 , 14:28:03.

C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\BeSweet\BeSweet.exe -core( -input C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2 -logfile C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal -g max ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )

[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSweet -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
[00:00:00:000] | Output: C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Floating-Point Process: Yes
[00:00:00:-264] +-------- AZID -------
[00:00:00:-264] | Output Stereo mode: Dolby surround compatible
[00:00:00:-264] | Total Gain: -90.7dB, Compression: Normal
[00:00:00:-264] | LFE levels: To LR -3.0dB, To LFE 0.0dB
[00:00:00:-264] | Center mix level: BSI
[00:00:00:-264] | Surround mix level: BSI
[00:00:00:-264] | Dialog normalization: No
[00:00:00:-264] | Rear channels filtering: No
[00:00:00:-264] | Source Sample-Rate: 48.0KHz
[00:00:00:-264] +-------- 2LAME ------
[00:00:00:-264] | Bitrate method : CBR
[00:00:00:-264] | MP2 bitrate : 192
[00:00:00:-264] | Channels Mode : Stereo
[00:00:00:-264] | Error Protection: Yes
[00:00:00:-264] +---------------------
[00:03:57:144] Conversion Completed !
[00:03:57:144] Actual Avg. Bitrate : 192kbps
[00:00:26:000] <-- Transcoding Duration
Logging ends : 08/03/02 , 14:28:29.

i'm getting closer, i know it! :sly:

[manono]

Hi-

I think your good detective work is closing in on the answer. But I don't know why BeSweet couldn't handle it. But if BeSweet couldn't, maybe HeadAC3he can. My suggestion is to get HeadAC3he from Doom9's download page and use it (real easy). If it can manage to convert to a playable .mp2 (by no means guaranteed-there may be errors in the Audio Stream), then make the full one for the whole DVD and rename it Encoded_audio_1.mp2 and replace the funky one, and use the Recover mode in DVD2SVCD to remux.

[DSPguru]

Originally posted by 4th alphabet
BeSweet v1.3b12 logfile.

[00:00:00:-264] | Total Gain: -90.7dB, Compression: Normal you should try using BeSweet v1.4RC5. or, even easier, use the following commandline with your current version : C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\BeSweet\BeSweet.exe -core( -input C:\Program Files\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2 -logfile C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )

[4th alphabet]

DSPguru, you nailed it! the problem is the "Autodetect Azid gain" option. if i deselect it in the Audio tab, the audio is no longer mute! so it must be the "-g max" parameters you asked me to remove from the command line. i haven't tried it yet, but is there a way to incorporate BeSweet v1.4RC5 into DVD2SVCD? i'm using DVD2SVCD ver. 1.0.9 build 2 which has BeSweet v1.3b12 bundled into it. or does the latest version of DVD2SVCD have the new BeSweet version?

manono, you mentioned Recover mode. if i select Recover "Video Encoding" and continue, does that mean that DVD2SVCD would asusume that it had just finished the audio conversion process (which i have corrected by replacing the .mp2 file), and resume from the "Video Encoding" step all the way till the end?

I LOVE YOU GUYS!! THIS FORUM ROCKS! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

:D

[Jason28]

@4th alphabet
Yes if you select from video encoding then it will start from there and think that it did the audio encoding already.

[4th alphabet]

my god, i didn't even realise who you are DSPguru. i just finished running that command line and noticed, you're the creator of BeSweet! :eek:

as ali g might say, "RESPECT".

the command line worked. here's the log;

BeSweet v1.3b12 logfile.
--------------------------
Logging start : 08/03/02 , 16:32:03.

BeSweet.exe -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2 -logfile C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )

[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSweet -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
[00:00:00:000] | Output: C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Floating-Point Process: Yes
[00:00:00:-264] +-------- AZID -------
[00:00:00:-264] | Output Stereo mode: Dolby surround compatible
[00:00:00:-264] | Total Gain: 0.0dB, Compression: Normal
[00:00:00:-264] | LFE levels: To LR -3.0dB, To LFE 0.0dB
[00:00:00:-264] | Center mix level: BSI
[00:00:00:-264] | Surround mix level: BSI
[00:00:00:-264] | Dialog normalization: No
[00:00:00:-264] | Rear channels filtering: No
[00:00:00:-264] | Source Sample-Rate: 48.0KHz
[00:00:00:-264] +-------- 2LAME ------
[00:00:00:-264] | Bitrate method : CBR
[00:00:00:-264] | MP2 bitrate : 192
[00:00:00:-264] | Channels Mode : Stereo
[00:00:00:-264] | Error Protection: Yes
[00:00:00:-264] +---------------------
[00:01:04.320] W7: Downmix overflow (1: +90.6dB)
[00:01:04.325] W7: Downmix overflow (1: +87.1dB)
[00:03:57:144] Conversion Completed !
[00:03:57:144] Actual Avg. Bitrate : 192kbps
[00:00:20:000] <-- Transcoding Duration
Logging ends : 08/03/02 , 16:32:23.

do i need to worry about the "Downmix overflow"?

i'm doing the Recover mode right now Jason. thanks!

[4th alphabet]

darn it! i just noticed that there's a high pitched click in the .mp2 file. not sure if there're more, but does it have something to do with the 2 "Downmix overflow" warning?

i also noticed that when i convert with "Autoselect Azid gain (2 pass)" unchecked in the Audio tab, the BeSweet log had WAY MORE "Downmix overflow" warnings (a few hundred!). that can't be good. also, the volume of the .mp2 was noticeably louder.

[DSPguru]

this stream looks pretty much problematic, or maybe it's a bug in azid.dll.

anyway, since this should be a pretty small file, can i ask you to upload it to someplace, so i can d/l and analyze it..

[4th alphabet]

unfortunately, i don't have any space on the web where i can upload the file to (about 9+ Mb), but i'd happily send it to you by e-mail. i'm curious to know what's up with this audio track, i've already spent a great deal of time trying to get it converted.


would it help if i tried BeSweet v1.4RC5?

[DSPguru]

Originally posted by 4th alphabet
would it help if i tried BeSweet v1.4RC5? nope...

[4th alphabet]

at manono's earlier advice, i downloaded HeadAC3he and gave it a go.
the .mp2 file had the same high pitch click at the same spot as the .mp2 file generated with BeSweet. HeadAC3he did give a warning however (see below) "Source file's last frame incomplete
or corrupt stream". like you said DSPGu ru, the AC3 file was problematic to begin with. guess somebody at the company messed up with the file.

anyway, here's the log from HeadAC3che;


Warning:
Source file's last frame incomplete
or corrupt stream

Starting Process...
Setting up MP2enc ...succeeded
Setting up Azid
[00:00:00.000] +------------------------------+
[00:00:00.000] | |
[00:00:00.000] | AC-3 |
[00:00:00.000] | DECODER |
[00:00:00.000] | CORE |
[00:00:00.000] | v1.8 (b825) |
[00:00:00.000] | |
[00:00:00.000] | (C) 1997-2002 By Midas |
[00:00:00.000] | <midas@egon.gyaloglo.hu> |
[00:00:00.000] +------------------------------+
...succeeded
Allocating buffer memory...succeeded
Starting I/O thread ...done
AC3 decoding cycle [00:01:04.320] W7: Downmix overflow (1: +88.6dB)
[00:01:04.325] W7: Downmix overflow (1: +85.1dB)
...done
AC3 decoding cycle ...done
Closing I/O thread ...done
Freeing buffer memory ...done

Pass 2:
Allocating buffer memory...succeeded
Starting I/O thread ...done
Gaining cycle ...done
MP2 encoding cycle ...done
Gaining cycle ...done
MP2 encoding cycle ...done
Closing I/O thread ...done
Freeing buffer memory ...done

Process finished!
Time needed: 00:00:24 (hh:mm:ss)

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

as you can see, same Downmix warning as BeSweet at exactly the same spot, which is when the high pitch click can be heard on the audio. oh well, guess i can live with one high pitch click out of 25 mins. i'm happy i finally found a resolve tho; having determined the root of the problem gives me piece of mind. :)

and this forum still ROCKS! infinite thanks to you all!

[manono]

Hi 4th alphabet-

If I remember correctly, HeadAC3he gives that error message whenever you rip by chapters. Have you played the video at that same place? Anything funny going on there? I'm thinking that there may be a scratch or some dirt at that place. You might try cleaning it or rubbing it with a mild abrasive like toothpaste, or even going to a local software store to see if they'll run it through a Disk Doctor for you. Or even see if you can exchange it for another copy. Then try ripping the AC3 again. I'd hate to see you come so far, put in all the work you have, and not get a perfect result. We're rooting for you. Or maybe you're just sick of it by now. It's a good series, though.

[DSPguru]

we can't be sure if the stream is problematic, or the bug is within azid.dll (that used by both programs)

would you mind cutting that relevant 20 secs with BeSplit (http://besplit.doom9.org) ?

commandline :
BeSplit.exe -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -prefix C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\bug -type ac3 -a ) -split( 60 80 )
then, please attach bug01.ac3 in here.. (posts can hold attach that smaller than 1mb).
oh, and don't forget to :logfile: :-)

[4th alphabet]

give up now, what with all the support you guys are giving me? hell no! :devil:

i thought the click had to do with a scratched/bad disc too, but i played the AC3 and the audio plays fine at the spot where it clicks on the mp2. so i ruled that out.

DSPGuru, i'm attaching the file for you now. hope you can find something there. which log file is it you wanted me to post? there was no log file with BeSplit. i've posted all the BeSweet log files in the earlier posts. lemme know and i'll post whichever log you need.

p/s i had to rename the file bug01.txt cos the message board won't allow ac3 files.

[4th alphabet]

can you guys see the file? i can't see it in my post.

[manono]

A mod has to make it available-might take awhile.

[4th alphabet]

ah, i see the file now. hope you can "crack" it DSP. ;)

and as if it couldn't get any worse, i have another problem now ripping from DVD #4 in the Lain series. i started a new thread for this one.

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30564

once again, i humbly ask for your help...

[4th alphabet]

i converted the video again, only this time i did a 4 pass instead of a 1 pass. turned out fine. i think something went wrong with the bitrate calculation using the previous settings. oh well, at least i got the video working.

how's it going with the AC3 DSPGuru?

[DSPguru]

i can now confirm a bug in azid.dll .

thank you for this problematic sample, alphabet !!!

[4th alphabet]

hey, no problem. thanks for helping ME DSPGuru!

i have to return the DVD to the store tonight, but i'm gonna keep the VOBs in my hard drive and hold out for a fix on the bug. ;)

is it a tough nut to crack?

[manono]

Hi-As a workaround, wouldn't it be possible to make a WAV file from the AC3, open it in a WAV editor program and just knock that big spike down or cut it off where the loud pop occurs, and then encode the result as an .mp2? It might not even be noticeable then. And I'm speaking as someone that's never tried something like that. Easy for me to say.:)

[4th alphabet]

i've considered this but i was afraid that i'd mess up the original running time if i cut the "pop" out. is there a function in CoolEdit to cut that part out and replace the exact same spot with silence (the pop occurs in the middle of silence)? it'd have to be the exact same length as the pop.

[manono]

Hi-

Yeah-I wasn't very clear. I didn't mean cut it out, but chop off the waveform spike. I haven't had much experience with Wav editors-just for awhile when I was converting some of my records to CD-getting rid of scratches and noise. Since you said the pop occurs in some silence, I'd think you could isolate that part and turn down the gain or mute just that part or something. I think you could do something like that with Exact Audio Copy or Sound Forge or some similar program. Maybe even the Nero WAV editor.

[4th alphabet]

good idea, i'll see if CoolEdit can do that; should be able to. i'll let you know how it goes.

[4th alphabet]

haven't had a chance to try out CoolEdit yet. but here's something else that just manifested.

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30922

funny, i've suddenly become aware of so many problems lately. :confused:

[manono]

Hi-

Yeah-I agree it's good to know. I was thinking about splitting by chapters myself so the first CD doesn't just cut out in the middle of something. Live and learn.

[4th alphabet]

i learn more everyday from this forum. :p

i discovered why you lose the first few seconds from the first chapter of an SVCD. could be a couple of reasons...

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=163843#post163843

[4th alphabet]

ok, from the bug01.ac3 (attachment above) i've encoded the .mp2 file with the loud click. not sure how to proceed from here. what program can i use to encode the .mp2 file to a .wav? i can use bbMPEG to convert a .wav to .mp2 right? unfortunately, i just discovered despite CoolEdit supporting a whole bunch of audio formats, it doesn't support .mp2 files.

[manono]

Hi-

If I were going to try it, I'd start with the AC3 and make a WAV, then fix the pop (assuming it is in the WAV also), and then encode the fixed WAV to .mp2.

However, if you want to see if the pop can even be fixed before going to the extra trouble, enter the small .mp2 in HeadAC3he and see if it will convert to WAV. I have no idea if either the pop will show in the wav, or if the mp2 can be converted to WAV. Shouldn't take long to find out, though.

[4th alphabet]

it worked! i used HeadAC3he to convert the .mp2 to WAV, then used CoolEdit to silence out the pop, and converted the WAV back to .mp2 with HeadAC3he. no more pop, and the rest of the audio seems intact like the original. now....to do the fix on the entire episode audio file! :sly:

[manono]

Hey-Good News-

Rounding third and heading for home. I probably shouldn't be recommending HeadAC3he all the time when DSPGuru has helped out a lot in this thread. It's just I don't know much about audio and find HeadAC3he easier to use. I'm sure the same things could have been done using BeSweet. Please forgive me DSPGuru. Good luck with the rest 4th alphabet.

[DSPguru]

hi man(ono),
it's a free board :D.

i know ppl find hac3 easier, but BeSweet is simply better.
here's a relevant example : BeSweet's mp2 input engine can handle corrupted mpeg-audio streams, while ALL tools but MadPlay don't.

anyway,
alphabet, your process seems unhealthy :
ac3->mp2->wav->mp2

you better decode the ac3 to wav (AZID), clean it (CoolEdit), and encode it to mp2 (tooLame).

[manono]

Thanks for your understanding DSPGuru. I, for one, won't argue that BeSweet isn't better. I was only mentioning the relative ease of use of HeadAC3he.

And I did recommend in my previous post that 4 a should go AC3-->WAV-->mp2. But I didn't say anything after he fixed it the way he did because I figured at this point he must be so relieved just to have a fixed mp2 file.

[DSPguru]

here is my optimal solution for you :

open notepad, copy-paste this :C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1a.mp2
C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1b.mp2
save as : "C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\alpha.lst"

open notepad, copy paste this :@echo off
BESPLIT.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -prefix C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted -logfile C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log -type ac3 -a -ending ) -split( 0 60 65 )
BESWEET.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted01.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1a.mp2 -logfilea C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )
BESWEET.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted03.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1b.mp2 -logfilea C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal ) -ota( -d 5024 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )
BESWEET.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\alpha.lst -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.mp2 -logfilea C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1.log -payload )
echo click now to delete all temp files
pause
delete C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1a.mp2
delete C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Encoded_audio_1b.mp2
delete C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted01.ac3
delete C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted03.ac3save as : "C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\alpha.bat"

make sure that you have BeSplit in the same folder as BeSweet.

then run this batchfile (alpha.bat)
and post the logfile :D.

[4th alphabet]

hey guys, haven't had time to check the forum for a while. thanks for all the input. haven't had time to try the ac3-wav-mp2 method yet. DSPGuru, i ran those commands you posted. i can still hear the pop at around 12:39 on Encoded_audio_1.mp2. did something go wrong? here's the logfile.

BeSplit v0.8 logfile.
--------------------------
Logging start : 08/13/02 , 01:15:22.

BESPLIT.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -prefix C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted -logfile C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.log -type ac3 -a -ending ) -split( 0 60 65 )

[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSplit -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted_audio_1.ac3
[00:00:00:000] | Output Prefix : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted
[00:00:00:000] +---------------------
[00:00:00:000] | Found starting address !
[00:01:00:000] | Writing C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted01.ac3
[00:01:05:024] | Writing C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted02.ac3
[00:23:53:952] | Writing C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted03.ac3
[00:23:53:952] +---------------------
[00:23:53:952] Operation Completed !
[00:00:05:000] <-- Process Duration
Logging ends : 08/13/02 , 01:15:27.

BeSweet v1.3b12 logfile.
--------------------------
Logging start : 08/13/02 , 01:15:27.

BESWEET.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted01.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1a.mp2 -logfilea C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal ) -ota( -d -264 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )

[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSweet -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted01.ac3
[00:00:00:000] | Output: C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1a.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Floating-Point Process: Yes
[00:00:00:-264] +-------- AZID -------
[00:00:00:-264] | Output Stereo mode: Dolby surround compatible
[00:00:00:-264] | Total Gain: 0.0dB, Compression: Normal
[00:00:00:-264] | LFE levels: To LR -3.0dB, To LFE 0.0dB
[00:00:00:-264] | Center mix level: BSI
[00:00:00:-264] | Surround mix level: BSI
[00:00:00:-264] | Dialog normalization: No
[00:00:00:-264] | Rear channels filtering: No
[00:00:00:-264] | Source Sample-Rate: 48.0KHz
[00:00:00:-264] +-------- 2LAME ------
[00:00:00:-264] | Bitrate method : CBR
[00:00:00:-264] | MP2 bitrate : 192
[00:00:00:-264] | Channels Mode : Stereo
[00:00:00:-264] | Error Protection: Yes
[00:00:00:-264] +---------------------
[00:00:59:736] Conversion Completed !
[00:00:59:736] Actual Avg. Bitrate : 192kbps
[00:00:06:000] <-- Transcoding Duration
Logging ends : 08/13/02 , 01:15:33.

BeSweet v1.3b12 logfile.
--------------------------
Logging start : 08/13/02 , 01:15:33.

BESWEET.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted03.ac3 -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1b.mp2 -logfilea C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.log ) -azid( -L -3db -c normal ) -ota( -d 5024 ) -2lame( -e -b 192 -m s )

[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSweet -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Extracted03.ac3
[00:00:00:000] | Output: C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1b.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Floating-Point Process: Yes
[00:00:05:024] +-------- AZID -------
[00:00:05:024] | Output Stereo mode: Dolby surround compatible
[00:00:05:024] | Total Gain: 0.0dB, Compression: Normal
[00:00:05:024] | LFE levels: To LR -3.0dB, To LFE 0.0dB
[00:00:05:024] | Center mix level: BSI
[00:00:05:024] | Surround mix level: BSI
[00:00:05:024] | Dialog normalization: No
[00:00:05:024] | Rear channels filtering: No
[00:00:05:024] | Source Sample-Rate: 48.0KHz
[00:00:05:024] +-------- 2LAME ------
[00:00:05:024] | Bitrate method : CBR
[00:00:05:024] | MP2 bitrate : 192
[00:00:05:024] | Channels Mode : Stereo
[00:00:05:024] | Error Protection: Yes
[00:00:05:024] +---------------------
[00:11:35.040] W7: Downmix overflow (1: +90.6dB)
[00:11:35.045] W7: Downmix overflow (1: +87.1dB)
[00:22:53:888] Conversion Completed !
[00:22:53:888] Actual Avg. Bitrate : 192kbps
[00:02:14:000] <-- Transcoding Duration
Logging ends : 08/13/02 , 01:17:47.

BeSweet v1.3b12 logfile.
--------------------------
Logging start : 08/13/02 , 01:17:47.

BESWEET.EXE -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\alpha.lst -output C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.mp2 -logfilea C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.log -payload )

[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSweet -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1a.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Output: C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Floating-Point Process: No
[00:00:00:000] | Source Sample-Rate: 48.0KHz
[00:00:00:000] +---------------------
[00:00:00:000] +------- BeSweet -----
[00:00:00:000] | Input : C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1b.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Output: C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Encoded_audio_1.mp2
[00:00:00:000] | Floating-Point Process: No
[00:00:00:000] | Source Sample-Rate: 48.0KHz
[00:00:00:000] +---------------------
[00:00:00:000] Conversion Completed !
[00:00:02:000] <-- Transcoding Duration
Logging ends : 08/13/02 , 01:17:49.

[4th alphabet]

hi DSP, have you had a chance to view the log? just wondering if something went wrong.

thanks.

[DSPguru]

Originally posted by 4th alphabet
hi DSP, have you had a chance to view the log? just wondering if something went wrong.

thanks. will check it out at the end of next week, when i have more of a free time.

[4th alphabet]

thanks DSP. take your time, i'll keep an eye on this thread.

d.

[DSPguru]

please cut the (second) problematic part of the original track and attach here.
commandline should be :BeSplit.exe -core( -input C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\Extracted_audio_1.ac3 -prefix C:\PROGRA~1\DVD2SVCD\Movie\Disc1\bug -type ac3 -a ) -split( 7230 7250 )