QuEnc 0.55 [Alpha]

Nic · 26th October 2004, 19:36

Hi,

http://nic.dnsalias.com/QuEnc.zip
(Sourcecode: http://nic.dnsalias.com/QuEnc_src.zip )

So busy, so thought i'd release a quick update. This version is pretty much a test version as I haven't had time for any testing. When finalized and a few more things added it will become v0.60.

Changes:

Now can select TFF or BFF
Now can select a custom matrix (using XviD style matrix files)
Added alternate scan to interlace encoding option
AviSynth Exception handling (if there was a problem in the AVS File, a MessageBox will popup with the error)
Better stability (with luck Should never crash on exit or with AviSource, etc etc)
No longer uses DLLs, links directly, as DLLs are rarely compatible between versions and only cause problems (IMHO)
Updated to latest CVS
Minor speed up code

Let me know how you get on,
-Nic

ps
I plan to add a few more bits and pieces before 0.60 (some of the things straight from NuEnc

). But want to check stability with you guys first.

Paced · 27th October 2004, 08:42

Thanks for the update Nic, I'll try it out as soon as I get the chance.

Peter Cheat · 27th October 2004, 10:00

Custom matrix was definately a necessary feature. Field ordering selection was also a common request. Good job.

btw,
How did you fix the crash on exit? I just couldn't figure it out.

Nic · 27th October 2004, 10:17

Hi Peter,

Thanks.

To fix the crash (and have AVS Exceptions), just use AVSReader.h and AVSReader.cpp from the latest QuEnc source. Was to do with closing down the AVI stuff properly. (Strangely)

@Peter & everyone:
What other features are needed/asked for/wanted?

-Nic

Peter Cheat · 27th October 2004, 10:50

Some requests that have come up are:

-audio encoding (mp2 would be easy to implement)
-encoding preview (why? I don't know)
-muxing
-shutdown when done option (not necessary, can use external app)

There were probably others, I can't remember them now.

Nic · 27th October 2004, 11:00

Audio encoding -
Well libavcodec's is probably the poorest quality MP2 Encoding because there's no psychoacoustic model. Perhaps we can add another library for doing that.

Encoding Preview -
Yup that is a waste of time

lol, but maybe it could be useful. We'd have to encode the frame then decode it then output it to a window. Might be fun....Hmmm might add that, what do others reckon (generally it would just slow down the encode)

Muxing-
We could add another dialog in there that just uses the mplex code. Could be useful I suppose

Shutdown-
I think my version has already got that.

One thing that would be good I suppose is to write a proper Program Stream with Audio and Video taken from the AVS and encoding as MP2 and MPEG-2. Another thing to look at I suppose.

What would you guys all vote for?

Cheers,
-Nic

Peter Cheat · 27th October 2004, 11:21

I vote for mp2 encoding via toolame and mp3 encoding via lame

Throw in AC3 while were at it. I could implement it if I knew where I can find information on AviSynth and how to take the audio data out.

Muxing would also be useful (using latest version of mplex). Commandline is too hard for some people.

BTW, I tested QuEnc 0.55 Alpha. It seems to be slower than previous versions, but results was still very good as expected (tested on Bourne Supremacy trailer).

Teegedeck · 27th October 2004, 11:21

Quote:

Originally posted by Nic
One thing that would be good I suppose is to write a proper Program Stream with Audio and Video taken from the AVS and encoding as MP2 and MPEG-2. Another thing to look at I suppose.

That would be fantastic and just what I'd need to easily reencode some stuff and leave it at my parents' home in order to watch it on a DVD player during some of the longer and more boring visits...

Thanks for the new version, Nic!

dragongodz · 27th October 2004, 12:36

select a custom matrix (using XviD style matrix files) - works

Quote:

Shutdown-
I think my version has already got that.

it has and it works (windows xp SP1).

where do you come up with these great ideas ?

Quote:

mp2 encoding via toolame

already mentioned to Nic a loooong time ago. he does need reminding some times now he's getting older though.

Quote:

mp3 encoding via lame

completely undesirable and dangerous. newbies are meant to be able to safly use this too.

also -
AviSource - 2 pass works
2 pass - 1 or 2 frames works.

now a bug -
VBR time length wrong, even effected by bitrate.
example - 40 second clip. encode VBR(mpeg 1 or 2) at 3000 on playback said 15seconds but did keep playing past that. at 2000 playback length reported as 9 seconds. tested with MediaPlayerClassic internal mpeg decoding and windvd.
CBR however did not suffer the same problem.

freelock7 · 27th October 2004, 22:02

Thanks Nic to add the matrix option. It's very useful when working at low bitrate.
Works fine.

Peter Cheat · 28th October 2004, 08:49

The time is reported correctly with the tests I've done.

Tested using Windows Media Player 6.4 and Windows Media Player 9.0 using Elecard MPEG2 decoder (also reported correctly by FFDShow, but the decoding in that is fubar atm).

Maybe it is a decoder fault dragongodz?

Why is MP3 encoding undersirable? It's available in TMPEnc, and TMPEnc can't even mux it properly! You could easily create a message saying that "using MP3 audio is a bad idea so don't do it unless you know what you are doing". A lot of new DVD players can play it, so why not throw it in?

lithoc · 28th October 2004, 09:10

@Peter
I've tried your mplex2, my DVD player can't playback. It only output garbage audio signal but the video is fine.
I think mp3 is optional, it is not a DVD-Video standard.

But if you must, I think noob user need to be warn.

Cheers,

Mug Funky · 28th October 2004, 09:35

woo-hoo! thanks for the alternate scan, and field order, nic.

i'm off to see how this performs on PAL fieldblends

i'm thinking it'll be a CCE killer by now.

Peter Cheat · 28th October 2004, 09:42

Not all new players can play it. But the chances are pretty good if your DVD player plays MP3 CDs. It is out-of-standard after all. Brand-name DVD players may not support it because they like to disallow cool undocumented features (friends Sony DVD player spits my discs out). In Australia, If you've got a newish cheapo ATD or Audiosonic DVD player, the ones I've tested work

You sometimes get garbage audio if you are trying to play 48kHz mp3 audio when a player only supports 44.1kHz. I've noticed this on one particular player (cheap import, brand was GP or something).

Back on topic. I think that it is a good idea. AC3 encoding would also be good. I've sort of tried to do it, but I suck when it comes to VFW. I can't find the documentation I need.

RobertR · 28th October 2004, 11:08

First of all thanks for your efforts Nic (even if i'm screwed and can't use QuEnc under Linux

))

What i would like to see in QuEnc is ability of creating GOPs on given frame. I know that Peter has it on ToDo list but i'd rather have him working on ratecontrol

lithoc · 28th October 2004, 11:12

Quote:

Originally posted by Peter Cheat
You sometimes get garbage audio if you are trying to play 48kHz mp3 audio when a player only supports 44.1kHz. I've noticed this on one particular player (cheap import, brand was GP or something).

HHmmm... may b i should give a second try on 44.1khz cos last time when I try it, was 48khz sampling.

Now that what I called non-standard

cos according to mp3 standard, 48khz is always there.
May be is because it is (s)vcd that doesn't support 48khz.
but i try svcd (mpeg2 + 48khz mp2) is ok.
I never play a normal 48khz mp3 only disc in my dvd player tho.

Anyway thanks for your oppinion.

dragongodz · 28th October 2004, 11:28

Quote:

Maybe it is a decoder fault dragongodz?

maybe but its strange that both MPC's internal decoder and windvd both suffer from it. i will have to try some others when i get time.

Quote:

Why is MP3 encoding undersirable? It's available in TMPEnc, and TMPEnc can't even mux it properly! You could easily create a message saying that "using MP3 audio is a bad idea so don't do it unless you know what you are doing". A lot of new DVD players can play it, so why not throw it in?

yes Tmpgenc can do it, by use of an external encoder. are there any other encoders that you know of that can ?
as for why not throw it in -
.its not any sort of standard(or remotly close).
.some players may play it but is that even close to a majority ? i doubt it.
.its just a really bad idea.

damian_dimitri · 28th October 2004, 12:16

hello,

thank you for all the time you put in this great tool.
I was looking at the new option; Xvid style matrix files. So i ran to the Xvid thread. I found these ones;
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83125
Can i use these?
It does have an other extension then *.txt.

thank you in advance.

Damian

Paced · 28th October 2004, 12:21

Quote:

Originally posted by damian_dimitri
hello,

thank you for all the time you put in this great tool.
I was looking at the new option; Xvid style matrix files. So i ran to the Xvid thread. I found these ones;
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83125
Can i use these?
It does have an other extension then *.txt.

thank you in advance.

Damian

Yes you can (as long as it was created, and saved, within XviD's configuration screen), just make the 'Files of Type' = 'All Files' when selecting a matrix. Or, you could always just rename the extension to .txt.

Nic · 28th October 2004, 13:14

is .xcm a common extension for that style of Matrix file? If so i'll add it.

If anybody want's another type to be supported post links to examples and i'll add them.

(Also I've never checked that the matrices are being used properly, they should be, but they might not be, so if someone can confirm it then please let me know

)

Cheers,
-Nic

26th October 2004, 19:36	#1 \| Link
Nic Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: England Posts: 3,285	QuEnc 0.55 [Alpha] Hi, http://nic.dnsalias.com/QuEnc.zip (Sourcecode: http://nic.dnsalias.com/QuEnc_src.zip ) So busy, so thought i'd release a quick update. This version is pretty much a test version as I haven't had time for any testing. When finalized and a few more things added it will become v0.60. Changes: Now can select TFF or BFF Now can select a custom matrix (using XviD style matrix files) Added alternate scan to interlace encoding option AviSynth Exception handling (if there was a problem in the AVS File, a MessageBox will popup with the error) Better stability (with luck Should never crash on exit or with AviSource, etc etc) No longer uses DLLs, links directly, as DLLs are rarely compatible between versions and only cause problems (IMHO) Updated to latest CVS Minor speed up code Let me know how you get on, -Nic ps I plan to add a few more bits and pieces before 0.60 (some of the things straight from NuEnc ). But want to check stability with you guys first.

27th October 2004, 10:00	#3 \| Link
Peter Cheat Just a Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 225	Custom matrix was definately a necessary feature. Field ordering selection was also a common request. Good job. btw, How did you fix the crash on exit? I just couldn't figure it out. __________________ If you want it done properly, do it yourself! Modified Libavcodec Site

27th October 2004, 10:50	#5 \| Link
Peter Cheat Just a Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 225	Some requests that have come up are: -audio encoding (mp2 would be easy to implement) -encoding preview (why? I don't know) -muxing -shutdown when done option (not necessary, can use external app) There were probably others, I can't remember them now. __________________ If you want it done properly, do it yourself! Modified Libavcodec Site

27th October 2004, 11:21	#7 \| Link
Peter Cheat Just a Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 225	I vote for mp2 encoding via toolame and mp3 encoding via lame Throw in AC3 while were at it. I could implement it if I knew where I can find information on AviSynth and how to take the audio data out. Muxing would also be useful (using latest version of mplex). Commandline is too hard for some people. BTW, I tested QuEnc 0.55 Alpha. It seems to be slower than previous versions, but results was still very good as expected (tested on Bourne Supremacy trailer). __________________ If you want it done properly, do it yourself! Modified Libavcodec Site

28th October 2004, 08:49	#11 \| Link
Peter Cheat Just a Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 225	The time is reported correctly with the tests I've done. Tested using Windows Media Player 6.4 and Windows Media Player 9.0 using Elecard MPEG2 decoder (also reported correctly by FFDShow, but the decoding in that is fubar atm). Maybe it is a decoder fault dragongodz? Why is MP3 encoding undersirable? It's available in TMPEnc, and TMPEnc can't even mux it properly! You could easily create a message saying that "using MP3 audio is a bad idea so don't do it unless you know what you are doing". A lot of new DVD players can play it, so why not throw it in? __________________ If you want it done properly, do it yourself! Modified Libavcodec Site Last edited by Peter Cheat; 28th October 2004 at 08:53.

27th October 2004, 08:42	#2 \| Link
Paced Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 194	Thanks for the update Nic, I'll try it out as soon as I get the chance.

27th October 2004, 10:17	#4 \| Link
Nic Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: England Posts: 3,285	Hi Peter, Thanks. To fix the crash (and have AVS Exceptions), just use AVSReader.h and AVSReader.cpp from the latest QuEnc source. Was to do with closing down the AVI stuff properly. (Strangely) @Peter & everyone: What other features are needed/asked for/wanted? -Nic

27th October 2004, 11:00	#6 \| Link
Nic Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: England Posts: 3,285	Audio encoding - Well libavcodec's is probably the poorest quality MP2 Encoding because there's no psychoacoustic model. Perhaps we can add another library for doing that. Encoding Preview - Yup that is a waste of time lol, but maybe it could be useful. We'd have to encode the frame then decode it then output it to a window. Might be fun....Hmmm might add that, what do others reckon (generally it would just slow down the encode) Muxing- We could add another dialog in there that just uses the mplex code. Could be useful I suppose Shutdown- I think my version has already got that. One thing that would be good I suppose is to write a proper Program Stream with Audio and Video taken from the AVS and encoding as MP2 and MPEG-2. Another thing to look at I suppose. What would you guys all vote for? Cheers, -Nic

27th October 2004, 22:02	#10 \| Link
freelock7 High beam Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belgium Posts: 290	Thanks Nic to add the matrix option. It's very useful when working at low bitrate. Works fine.

28th October 2004, 09:10	#12 \| Link
lithoc Registered User Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 95	@Peter I've tried your mplex2, my DVD player can't playback. It only output garbage audio signal but the video is fine. I think mp3 is optional, it is not a DVD-Video standard. But if you must, I think noob user need to be warn. Cheers,

28th October 2004, 09:35	#13 \| Link
Mug Funky interlace this! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: i'm in ur transfers, addin noise Posts: 4,555	woo-hoo! thanks for the alternate scan, and field order, nic. i'm off to see how this performs on PAL fieldblends i'm thinking it'll be a CCE killer by now. __________________ sucking the life out of your videos since 2004

28th October 2004, 09:42	#14 \| Link
Peter Cheat Just a Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Australia Posts: 225	Not all new players can play it. But the chances are pretty good if your DVD player plays MP3 CDs. It is out-of-standard after all. Brand-name DVD players may not support it because they like to disallow cool undocumented features (friends Sony DVD player spits my discs out). In Australia, If you've got a newish cheapo ATD or Audiosonic DVD player, the ones I've tested work You sometimes get garbage audio if you are trying to play 48kHz mp3 audio when a player only supports 44.1kHz. I've noticed this on one particular player (cheap import, brand was GP or something). Back on topic. I think that it is a good idea. AC3 encoding would also be good. I've sort of tried to do it, but I suck when it comes to VFW. I can't find the documentation I need. __________________ If you want it done properly, do it yourself! Modified Libavcodec Site

28th October 2004, 11:08	#15 \| Link
RobertR Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Poland Posts: 98	First of all thanks for your efforts Nic (even if i'm screwed and can't use QuEnc under Linux )) What i would like to see in QuEnc is ability of creating GOPs on given frame. I know that Peter has it on ToDo list but i'd rather have him working on ratecontrol __________________ NameLess, the Jedi aka NLJ

28th October 2004, 12:16	#18 \| Link
damian_dimitri Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 51	hello, thank you for all the time you put in this great tool. I was looking at the new option; Xvid style matrix files. So i ran to the Xvid thread. I found these ones; http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83125 Can i use these? It does have an other extension then *.txt. thank you in advance. Damian

28th October 2004, 13:14	#20 \| Link
Nic Moderator Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: England Posts: 3,285	is .xcm a common extension for that style of Matrix file? If so i'll add it. If anybody want's another type to be supported post links to examples and i'll add them. (Also I've never checked that the matrices are being used properly, they should be, but they might not be, so if someone can confirm it then please let me know ) Cheers, -Nic