Xmpeg-similar programs?? Need help here!

[claudiobar]

Hello!

I used to compress my dvds with xmpeg + x264. But starting with rev. 337, the codec kept telling me that the 2nd pass had a different number of frames than the 1st one, so it could'nt start to work.

As I could'nt figure out a fix, I had to stick with rev 338 until now.

So I have two questions: does anybody know what the problem is? 'cos with rev 336 works fine, but if I install anyother rev, it always brings back that trouble.

2nd: does anybody know any program as easy as xmpeg to use for my rips? I have'nt got much time to play with gknot or so... if there's any xmpeg clone out there that's still alive (xmpeg has'nt evolved in too much time), I'd be really grateful if you tell me about it.

Thanks!
Sorry for my english
clau

[Caroliano]

See the MPEG-4 Encoder GUIs (http://forum.doom9.org/forumdisplay.php?f=78) forum. There you have lots of options. Maybe some of them are as good or better than xmpeg was for you.

[claudiobar]

Thanks for answering. I'll guess my only choice is to try to learn megui in my "free" time... :(

Also: what do you think it's better: (I don't have much faith about having sucess w/megui); compress a movie with

X264 release 336 in 2 passes or with
X264 release 523a in a single pass??

I mean, what's going to give a better looking output?

thanks!

[imcold]

why would you use rev.336? There has been a lot of improvement both in speed and quality since that old revision.

[Caroliano]

X264 release 336 in 2 passes or with
X264 release 523a in a single pass??
I don't see the point of comparing 1 pass with 2 pass... 2 pass is when you want to fit in an predetermined size. 1 pass is horrible for that because you only have the ABR option, strongly not recomended. In that case I don't know wich one is better...

But if you don't care about a specific filesize, then 1-pass CRF in revision 523a is far better than 1-pass CRF in revision 336 (if r336 has CRF mode... I don't remember). I will even post a test about it soon.

[foxyshadis]

If the thought of using megui depresses you (is it that bad?), you could try staxrip, realanime, avidemux, xanime... in about that order of recommendation. One of them should suit your tastes.

[claudiobar]

Hello, thanks to all for your ansers.

The thing with megui is, well I'm simply lazy, and I don't have too much free time to inform myself about it's usage. I mean: I've learnt to use xmpeg, and it has no secrets to me, so starting over again with a new program... Specially when it comes to aspect ratios (I don't understand it very well; but in xmpeg my options, in "video tools" are: resize output 720*576 - set output aspect ratio to 1.0 VGA and then crop, because if I don't resize, the image gets stretched).

The comparison was between rev. 336 with 2 passes vs. the latest revision in a single pass. That's because after rev. 336, when the first pass ends, the second one won't start, telling me that "2nd pass has more frames than 1st one". I don't know if it's a xmpeg problem or x264, but I guess it's the second option because if I stick to rev. 336, everything works ok.

I really apreciatte your help, and sorry for my english (greetings from spain! :) )

[imcold]

I think it's VfW problem ;) AVC shouldn't be stored in AVI anyways.
Times change; so do applications. You should definitely give them a try. I think it's worth it.

[claudiobar]

Ok, I'm trying megui... it seems I need to use avisynth... but I install it and when I go to its folder, no "avisyinth prog" appears... so: how do I create an avisynth script?

or.. if it's not a program, what the heck is it??

Ok, found a tool in megui "avisynth script generator". It won't open my vobs. Only avi files.

Aaarggg!

[Revgen]

Please use MeGUI guide here: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=106189

[Guest]

Ok, I'm trying megui... it seems I need to use avisynth... but I install it and when I go to its folder, no "avisyinth prog" appears... so: how do I create an avisynth script? Please read the Quick Start guide in the DGMPGDec package (DGIndex + DGDecode). It should straighten out your thinking. :)

http://neuron2.net/dgmpgdec/QuickStart.html

If you have more than one VOB, just load all of them into DGIndex.

[foxyshadis]

MeGUI also has a built-in script creator and dgindex interface, as well as a "one click encode" mode, that require very few manual adjustments. You can see the megui guide in the mpeg4 gui forum, if you haven't already.