divx/xvid --> mpeg2: deblocking/post processing filters

[ricnews]

Hi,

I've skimmed through the guides for converting avi to mpeg2 and I've tried a few and generally get horrible looking results. The guide explains that this happens because when converting to another format none of the deblocking or other post processing filters are applied.

Is there any software that will convert divx/xvid to mpeg2 but apply these post processing filters prior to the mpeg2 encoding step?

I was wondering if something like virtualdub would apply the filters (the videos look fine when playing within virtualdub) before saving the avi to another format. If so, is there a mpeg2 encoding plugin or is virtualdub strictly avi?

I've experimented a little with Discreet Cleaner XL trial but there doesn't seem to be a deblocking filter. It does have a blurring filter. Would this improve the quality or just remove blocks at the expense of making everything out of focus?

As a last resort, I'm thinking I might get better results by outputting the avi through my video card to a VHS tape recorder, then play back the tape and capture in mpeg2 through my TV card's input.

Thanks for your suggestions,
Ric

[stephanV]

there is the YMPEG-plugin (http://www.motiwala.com/ympeg.htm) for virtualdub.
but now looking at the site, it has problems with MPEG2 patents... but maybe your just still in time. im not sure how good it works though, but its worth a shot.

as for your other method... (with the VHS) id doubt that would give better results ;)

[celtic_druid]

VirtualDub uses a VFW decoder and therefor at least to my knowledge no post processing.

MainConcept would appear to load files via DShow which would mean post processing if enabled in the decoder.

By the way you can use ffdshow to output MPEG2 from VDub.

[ricnews]

I'm encoding using ympeg from virtualdub now to see how it looks. Mainconcepts seems to have 2 mpeg2 encoders: eve and mpeg encoder. Which one uses dshow, or is it the same for both? Is eve essentially a commercial version of virtualdub?

Thanks.