Most AVI, SVCD, MPEG and DVD progs do not live up to expectations.!

[dwflo]

I have downloaded and installed most backup and conversion programs that are available. Installed all codecs required, tested everything beforehand, 95% did not do as they are touted, they either crashed or could not recognize files they created.
I have read all the guides, searched all the forums, found answers to my questions. Many solved the problem, but some, made it more confusing.
My biggest complaints are the number of steps involved, to reach a final result. And the failures or dissapointments with many of these all-in-one solutions or suites.
Many of you here are professionals, in the video-audio field, or you are educated in some sort of engineering. So when issues are discussed, my ignorance shows. But, I do appreciate what knowledge I have gained.

The programs that have worked for me are:
DVD2SVCD, worked as claimed. Only problems were with some plugins. Using CCE gave me the best svcd's I could ask for.
DVDXCopy, ability to backup copyright dvd's without having to rip.
DVD Decrypter, fast, efficiant, easy to use. Worked with DVD2SVCD every time.
DVD Shrink, good ripper. Able to shrink, encode and give me a good quality 1disk dvd using 25% compression. Haven't used larger compression ratio yet.
Elby's CloneDVD, able to compress a dvd9 to a single dvd+r. Quality was better than expected. Only gripe is I had to rip it first.

Still unable to find a Divx product that will work properly. Dr.Divx decoded and encoded as expected, but the avi's would not play on WMP9 or Divx player. In fact, every test avi made with every avi(divx) utility, I could get my hands on, were unable to play. Error was unrecognized file format in WMP9.

I will continue testing all those programs until I find the ones that suit me. I will not take anybody's word on what is best, I have to see for myself. What will work wonders for you, may be mightmares for me. So whatever it is worth, there is my 2cents.
If this post is out of place, please delete it.

dwlo

[ammck55]

dwflo:

It must be gettin' hot down in Texas already.:) Although there are a lot of hot pro's that are members here at Doom9, I'd imagine the rank and file are mostly guys like you and me that have beaten their heads against a problem until they've solved it. I'd be embarrassed to death to have this interface record some of my shenanigans and play them back to the membership! It would seem as if you're a bit frustrated this evening, and all of us can relate to that, but you also list many successes in your post. It's up to each of us to sort the guides out, but I have yet to use one one that didn't work, that is, if I followed the prescribed steps in the proper order, and actually understood what I was trying to accomplish.

Your frustration with DivX might be better solved if you sit down and figure out a concise and specific problem/s to post on, in this, or the DivX forums. While you're sorting this out, please read and adhere to Rule 6. The search button works well here. Good luck.

ammck55

[manono]

Hi-

I have a some suggestions about getting your DivX movies to play. First, get GSpot (http://www.doom9.org/Soft21/Editing/gspot22.zip) and point it at the movie and make sure you have installed everything necessary to play it. Second, open the movie in VDubMod/VDub/NanDub, ignore any error messages they might give you concerning the audio, and scroll around to make sure the movie looks OK. Third, get a real player such as, perhaps, BS Player (http://www.doom9.org/Soft21/Players/bsplay086.496.exe), and try with that. WMP9 is just plain bad. Let us know if you get any errors along the way.

[dwflo]

Thanks for the replies.

@ammck55
Very hot here, been that way for several weeks now. Been under the a/c so my brain hasn't fried yet, the only excuse I have is PTSD.(Most Vets will know what that is. I am certified!!!)
I have printed out the rules and am aware of Rule 6. Did not mean to slam any software, just to give my opinion of what is going on here.
As far as the search, I use it extensivly. There are solutions I have found, but many I do not understand as of yet. That is why I view and keep quiet. I do not want to make a fool of myself nor show my ignorance. But I do want to let my opinion be known, as part of this group.
The only criticisms I have are the questionable facts given by some publishers, as to the quality or effectivness of their products. And, the copying of their products from other authors. I have found some simularities between many.
Most of the information I have read here has been honest and thouroghly researched. But many claims from other sites are very misleading. Many of those persons have posted here! I will not name any names, because I could be wrong in my observations, and I do not will not say anything unless it is proven to be true.

@manono
I have GSpot and use it all the time.
I will try BS Player, did not realize WMP9 was so bad. The more I have used it, the more I hate it. Almost tempted to un-install it. Will make my decision after trying other players. Thank you for the info. Will let you know if there are any future problems.

dwflo

[KpeX]

I will not take anybody's word on what is best, I have to see for myself.
Good :D
Still unable to find a Divx product that will work properly.
There isn't IMO a good single product for divx. Gordian Knot is a good front end for some of the best MPEG-4 encoding tools. If you don't like that type of program, look into avisynth and vdubmod or avs2avi, just my recommendations. One other slightly biased opinion on making your divx's look better - switch to xvid ;)
Most of the information I have read here has been honest and thouroghly researched. But many claims from other sites are very misleading.
Very true, you will find much less BS/advertising here on doom9, along with much more correct and helpful information.