WinXP : Xvid decoding issues in Quicktime

[lcksg]

For some reasons, I need Quicktime (WinXP) to decode Xvid files. The only method I know is to install 3ivx which allows Quicktime to decode Xvid files.

But artifacts appear on every frame (see pic). I have tried turning ON/OFF all options in 3ivx config & xvid encoding options but artifacts still occur.

Is there another way to decode Xvid files using Quicktime? Please advise. Thanks.

http://img158.imageshack.us/img158/249/3ivxdecodexvid1034yv.th.jpg (http://img158.imageshack.us/my.php?image=3ivxdecodexvid1034yv.jpg)

[lcksg]

Someone from 3ivx forums suggested to use LS or ARTS profiles & it solved the problem.

Are there any differences in video quality between profiles ARTS@L4 and Unrestricted? Thanks.

[madoka]

QuickTime is able to decode Simple Profile video only. SP imposes quite severe restrictions on the video frame size and frame rate; from your screenshot I don't think it conforms to what SP requires.

Moreover, QuickTime will only accept SP video in either MOV or MP4 containers.

I'm unfamiliar with 3vix, but unless it strengthens QT's capabilities, this is probably why your video's not playing correctly.

[SeeMoreDigital]

You really should not be playing any of your MPEG-4 in AVI files in QuickTime player.... it's just not up-to the task, even with 3ivx filter-suite installed... Even Windows MediaPlayer 9/10 can do a better job ;)

Try installing and using a different player. I can personally recommend MediaPlayer Classic (v6.4.8.4). And if you continue to have problems, you could install the following "new" XviD direct-show decoder filter (http://82.2.167.237/Uploaded_Files/Doom9_Forum_files/XviD_DSdec_Filter_(2005-10-16).zip) too!


Cheers

[eb]

For me it is clear that artifacts are connected with interlaced material or bad deinterlacing. Build/use Xvid with progressive picture.

[Elias]

SeeMoreDigital and Madoka are completely right. Try putting that XviD avi file in mp4 and tell us about the results in QuickTime. Use MP4Box. How did you encode it btw? Care to give us some screens of that file in GSpot (latest beta) and MPEG4Modifier (video info)?

Is there another way to decode Xvid files using Quicktime? Please advise. Thanks.Yeah, in mp4, which is recommended since it's the most optimal choice for any MPEG-4 video codec.

[lcksg]

@all
Thanks for your replies.

I'm using Avisynth=>VirtualDub, the usual methods to produce .avi encoded with Xvid 1.0.3

My situation :

Testing Quicktime Streaming Server (Mac OS X) to stream xvid .avis in .mov/.qtl containers to Mac & Win clients, hence using Quicktime Player :(

There's no problem decoding xvid/.avi/.mov on Mac, but Quicktime Player in WinXP just won't use xvid to decode, it only accepts 3ivx.

3ivx only deals with Simple Profile (as I found out) & ARTS@L4 profile. Any higher & it will present artifacts.

.mp4 is not suitable as it wrecks the AR & sizes, especially when using .qtl (Quicktime scripts).

Has anyone been successful in using other mpeg-4 decoders (besides 3ivx or .mp4) via Quicktime (WinXP)? ffdshow doesn't work with QT.

[Elias]

@all.mp4 is not suitable as it wrecks the AR & sizes, especially when using .qtl (Quicktime scripts).No it does NOT. QT just can't handle much of MPEG-4 and its advanced features like Aspect Ratio.
Has anyone been successful in using other mpeg-4 decoders (besides 3ivx or .mp4) via Quicktime (WinXP)? ffdshow doesn't work with QT.Seriously, you shouldn't use QuickTime. Use the latest ffdshow with the latest MPC (now has an internal mp4 parser), and everything will be fine.

http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=101835

[lcksg]

I have no other choice but to use QT (streaming movies over LAN, streaming server is QT-based).

Does MPC + ffdshow handle .mov or .qtl? Thanks.

[Elias]

I have no other choice but to use QT (streaming movies over LAN, streaming server is QT-based).

Does MPC + ffdshow handle .mov or .qtl? Thanks.MPC can handle mov, yeah. Use VLC then. It can stream too. http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

[SeeMoreDigital]

Testing Quicktime Streaming Server (Mac OS X) to stream xvid .avis in .mov/.qtl containers to Mac & Win clients, hence using Quicktime Player :(

There's no problem decoding xvid/.avi/.mov on Mac, but Quicktime Player in WinXP just won't use xvid to decode, it only accepts 3ivx..Prior to using MPEG-4/AVC with AAC audio in MOV for my streaming encodes, I used MPEG-4/SP with AAC audio in MOV (or MP4) without any problems.... I would however recommend mux your streams into MP4 using YAMB and remove 3ivx's filter suite!

.mp4 is not suitable as it wrecks the AR & sizes, especially when using .qtl (Quicktime scripts)...Not really... although QuickTime player is incapable of detecting MPEG-4 streams with AR signalling, QT7 now makes it possible for you to hard code any pixel frame size you like at the "Container Level": -

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/5118/qt7transformationsettings1wj.png

It's a bit awkward to use but it can be done ;)


Cheers