Need help converting DVD to DivX -- thanks!

[Bosko]

Hi,

I'm new at this and am hoping you folks can give me a hand. :)

Here's what I have:
Toshiba 25" TV (standard tube tv)
No Audio system
Philips DVP642/37 DivX Player (ESS chipset)
(...so no HI-Def TV or surround sound, etc.)

I'm only making back-ups of TV shows on DVD, not movies. And I'm only burning to DVD+Rs (not CDs). So I'm confused on some of the options in AutoGK.

Here's what I want to do:

1. Make a DivX back-up of a full season of an hour-long (well, 45 min. approx.) TV show (modern/new -- not sure if it's okay to say the name, so I'll just say "VM"). Details are:

Widescreen Anamorphic, 1.78:1
Audio Track 1: English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround

2. Make a DivX back-up of a full season of a half-hour (well, 22 minute) cartoon from the 90's recently out on dvd. Details are:

1.33:1
Audio Track 1: English, Dolby Digital 5.1
Audio Track 2: English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
(I'm guessing I'd want to just keep Track 2, right?)

Can someone tell me exactly what settings to use in AutoGK to do both of these? I'd like to retain the best quality possible, while being able to fit a decent number of episodes on one DVD. (I'm guessing I should be able to get like 8-12 episodes of the hour show and 16-24 of the half hour show, right?) I also want to keep the hour show in widescreen (though the anamorphic part probably doesn't matter?) and the cartoon in 4:3 standard.

Compatibility Option: So I choose ESS based option when installing. And I guess this allows the Home Theatre option and double-pass when encoding or something? That's what I want, right?

Audio: There's just the one track (as listed above), so do I want this encoded as normal or converted to mp3? I'm unclear on this option and what is best. If I'm doing episodic TV shows (and not a movie) then is it better to not convert to mp3? Or will my picture quality improve greatly due to saving size on the audio by converting to mp3? It's not like I have a sound system or anything (at least, not at present). How exactly should I set this option?

Subtitles: I don't want any subtitles.

Select Output Size: Here's where I'm totally confused, as I'm doing TV shows onto DVD+Rs and not movies onto CDs. What setting should I use here for what I want to do? Do I use Predefined Size (and if so, what setting?), Custom Size (and if so, what setting?), or Target Quality (and if so, what setting?)? (I see that the tutorial says, "Target Quality" mode performs 1-pass encoding while "Target Size" performs 2-passes encoding -- and I'd want 2-passes for better quality, right?

Advanced Options: What do I want selected here?

Hidden Options: What should I have these set to?

Here's something that I found posted elsewhere that may or may not have any bearing on anything:

The Philips 642 has no problem with a properly interlaced AVI. By "properly interlaced", I mean that the original material was truly interlaced (not just telecined), and that the interlace was properly maintained from source to final encoded AVI.

When you take a *progressive* source and encode it as interlaced, in the Philips 642, if the frame rate is *not* 29.97, then there will be a very jerky playback. If the framerate is 29.97, then the interlace has no effect.

The Philips 642 will not play Qpel.

If it uses only 1 warp point 100% of the time, then the AVI will play without problems in the Philips 642. If, on the other hand, some S-VOPs use more than one warp point, then the AVI will quit playing as soon as it hits a "multi-warp-point" S-VOP.

The Philips 642 will play "H.263" or "MPEG" quantization type. The Philips 642 has problems playing "Custom MPEG" quantization type.

There is also a minor incompatibility between the Philips 642 and the "MPEG" quantization type, which is noticeable in certain kinds of scenes. This is why I do all my own encodes using H.263.

The Philips 642 seems not to recognize N-VOPs...in other words, it just skips right over them. This leads to audio synch problems. The audio can be brought back in synch by fast forwarding or rewinding a few frames, but then it will go back out of synch the next time it encounters more N-VOPs.

Interleaving: The container should be either "AVI v1.0" or "OpenDML (AVI v2.0)". If it is anything else, then you should re-mux the AVI. There should be a line labeled "Interleave:". If there is not, then your audio is not interleaved with your video and you need to re-mux the AVI. "preload" should be around 500. If it is 300-600, then great. If it is not, then you should re-mux the AVI.

The other part of the interleave parameters depends on what kind of audio you have. For MP3 Audio, it should be set to "1 vid frame" For AC3 Audio, it *could* be set to "1 vid frame", but this is not preferred, and may or may not lead to "stuttering" at various points in the film. For AC3 Audio, it should be set to "64 ms"

All from: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/56/82733#2213462

Does any of that have any effect on anything? It was posted more to look at .avi files that have already been made, if they're not playing right on the 642. I don't know if these dvds I'm backing-up are interlaced or progressive, or what the difference is. Which would these be? And how does any of this effect which options I choose in AutoGK?

Other questions:

My player only plays up to DivX 5 -- so I'm guessing the DivX 5.2.1 codec would be the one to use?

Is AutoGK my best option for what I want to do? Say, compared to Dr. DivX (which I saw someone say that program has better a/v sync -- though I have no idea if that's true).

DivX vs. XviD: My player supposedly can play XviD, but only as long as certain options aren't included. So I was going with DivX 5 to play it safe. Does XviD really result in a better quality file? Or would I not really notice the difference?

What's the difference between "fast" and "accurate" color correction type?

Thanks so much for the help! :)

[BigDid]

Hi,

I'm new at this and am hoping you folks can give me a hand. :)
...
Last edited by Bosko : Today at 18:47. Reason: Added some things...

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Consider (even if done already) reading or re-reading the tutorial, the FAQ and other guides:
http://www.autogk.me.uk/modules.php?name=Tutorial
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=72679
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=92089

I will try to answer more specifically by themas, in the meanwhile some info here:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=854923#post854923
Try to wait for answers to come before adding to your already very long post :D

Did

[Bosko]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Thanks!


Consider (even if done already) reading or re-reading the tutorial, the FAQ and other guides:
http://www.autogk.me.uk/modules.php?name=Tutorial
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=72679
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=92089


I read/re-read these -- all my questions still stand! :)


I will try to answer more specifically by themas, in the meanwhile some info here:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=854923#post854923


I read this post -- not really sure what the heck it's talking about. However, it seems like it's referring to converting to XviD and not DivX, is that correct? I'm going to be converting to DivX.


Try to wait for answers to come before adding to your already very long post :D

Don't worry! I didn't add any other questions! I actually just added more information to the section where I posted info I found posted elsewhere -- the section that starts: Here's something that I found posted elsewhere that may or may not have any bearing on anything: So it was just actually me providing more info to hopefully help anyone trying to answer my questions! :) (I tried to make my post as organized and clear/specific as possible...)

Looking foward to getting your reply -- thanks again!

And remember, I'm a newbie at this, so please feel free to overexplain! :D

-- Bosko

[BigDid]

Here we go, PART-I

1/ All the propositions, solutions or answers are given for AGK with Xvid, not Divx; even if most also applies to Divx.
All theorical questions can have answers in the tutorial, FAQ, Guides or in this forum, :search: in the AGK section or Divx or Xvid and go back in the past: 2/3/6 months if needed.
So if you come again try to quote the Tuto,FAQ or Guide starting point; Ex: I have read this.... in the Tuto,FAQ or Guide, I need answer regarding this....

2/ Hidden options and the looooong quote (please give links when quoting). For the moment, you can forget about all this stuff. The link given (afterdawn) is really valuable when you encode manually aka not with all-in-one like AutoGK.
AGK will take care of it with the ESS option and 2 pass encode.
ESS option is really aimed at the ESS chipset which you have in your DVP642 (make a search on DVP 642, you'll see what I mean).
For a newby AGK is nearly a one-click good solution. I will developp the "nearly"

3/ Sources from what you are going to encode.
Edited: To remove some confusion
a- DVD, TV Shows, about 45mn per episode
b- DVD, episodes,for cartoon: "Force Cartoon mode" in hidden options, it can help a bit. About 20mn per episode.

4/ Outputs
You want best quality possible with 8-12 tv episodes of 45mn and/or 16-24 cartoon episodes of 20mn.
Try 320Mo per tv episode and 160MB per cartoon episode... If visual quality not enough rise by 40/60Mo until satisfied
So to be pratical:
- get 1 cartoon episode for testing - shorter so quicker for tests: 40 to 60mn for 2 pass, depending on CPU/RAM etc... -
- Check "custom size" and set to 160(MB) in the custom size(MB) box (for 2pass encoding)
- Don't touch audio; no subtitles
---Advanced Settings---
- Auto width
- Audio= Original
- Codec Xvid :D or Divx
--- Hidden Options ---
- Check Force cartoon mode (for xvid)
- Check detect and force 4:3
- Enable standalone/ESS should already be checked; if not check it.

Hit Preview, you will see if the auto-cropping is good, there will be no audio only video; if OK hit
Addjob and Start ... You're done

Please try by yourself and report on pratical aspects or problems. Happy encoding.

Did

[Bosko]

3/ Sources from what you are going to encode.
a- Captures, please give details regarding codec: mpeg1-2 or avi?,video bitrate? and audio bitrate?

I'm doing a back-up of a storebought season set of the TV show Veronica Mars. What's going to tell me the answers to your questions?


Try 320Mo per tv episode and 160Mo per cartoon episode... If visual quality not enough rise by 40/60Mo until satisfied


I don't understand what "Mo" is... What setting are you talking about in the program?

I apprecaite the post, but I'm having a hard time understanding it. I think I will try posting a specific question in the newby section as well...

Thanks,

Bosko

[BigDid]

I'm doing a back-up of a storebought season set of the TV show Veronica Mars. What's going to tell me the answers to your questions?
My bad, your sources are always DVD, use Tutorial for selecting the IFO after having ripped your DVD with DvdDecrypter; if protections on the DVD, you'll have to integrate specific solutions for ARCCOS, Sony etc.. let it sleep until problems arise.

I don't understand what "Mo" is... What setting are you talking about in the program?
My bad, but yours also; Mo is short for Mega-octet, Mb is short for Mega-Bit (or byte always confusing :o ) I will edit my first post accordingly.
AGK use MB for custom size, so use 160MB in the custom size box for a 2pass encoding, also select "Audio Track 2: English, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo" instead of 5.1.

I apprecaite the post, but I'm having a hard time understanding it...
The sooner you try the sooner you'll get out of theory and begin learning concrete. You won't brake anything, you will build experience ;)

I think I will try posting a specific question in the newby section as well...
Be carefull not to double/cross-post: post in one thread only, if you post on another thread, link to the first one like here (Off Topic):
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=855528#post855528
and there:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?p=855534#post855534

Did

[manono]

8) No cross posting. Post your message once, to the appropriate forum and nowhere else or it will be locked or deleted without warning.

http://forum.doom9.org/forum-rules.htm

Dang, and to think I wasted time answering in that other thread, and now I come to find out BigDid has already set him straight. I wonder which one should get locked.

[check]

I'll try to clear up information with that article you found. Many other of your questions will be answered in FAQs, guides, etc.

The Philips 642 has no problem with a properly interlaced AVI. By "properly interlaced", I mean that the original material was truly interlaced (not just telecined), and that the interlace was properly maintained from source to final encoded AVI.
There is an option to encode with xvid as interlaced instead of progressive (which is the default). If you don't know the difference, read up on the many guides that explain it, but you probably don't want to encode interlaced - it requires more bitrate for the same quality.

The Philips 642 will not play Qpel.
Another xvid option that is off by default - it's only useful when encoding some videos (and no way to tell what these videos are either). Probably not worth experimenting with - just leave it off.

If it uses only 1 warp point 100% of the time, then the AVI will play without problems in the Philips 642. If, on the other hand, some S-VOPs use more than one warp point, then the AVI will quit playing as soon as it hits a "multi-warp-point" S-VOP.
Another xvid option, same deal as above except it will almost always improve quality. Just leave it off (which is it's default).

The Philips 642 will play "H.263" or "MPEG" quantization type. The Philips 642 has problems playing "Custom MPEG" quantization type.
There is also a minor incompatibility between the Philips 642 and the "MPEG" quantization type, which is noticeable in certain kinds of scenes. This is why I do all my own encodes using H.263.
The default matrix is h.263 so once again nothing to worry about. MPEG matrix gives a slightly sharper image, but at the cost of a more bitrate hungry video (ie unless you increase the filesize, it will end up looking worse). There are also custom matrices that you can use instead - but this option is a very advanced one and you shouldn't even care/touch the settings until you are a lot more confident.

The Philips 642 seems not to recognize N-VOPs...in other words, it just skips right over them. This leads to audio synch problems. The audio can be brought back in synch by fast forwarding or rewinding a few frames, but then it will go back out of synch the next time it encounters more N-VOPs.
Another non-worry

Interleaving: The container should be either "AVI v1.0" or "OpenDML (AVI v2.0)". If it is anything else, then you should re-mux the AVI. There should be a line labeled "Interleave:". If there is not, then your audio is not interleaved with your video and you need to re-mux the AVI. "preload" should be around 500. If it is 300-600, then great. If it is not, then you should re-mux the AVI.
Anything that comes out of AGK will meet these requirments (very few AVIs won't).


As an addendum, it's generally easiest to convert to mp3 - if you notice any sound quality issues, then either increase the bitrate or keep the original audio.
Hope this helps.

[BigDid]

[I]8)...Dang, and to think I wasted time answering in that other thread, and now I come to find out BigDid has already set him straight. I wonder which one should get locked.
Thanks for not closing and giving me a chance to continue my invaluable contribution (joke) :D

To potential posters, you are free to post but read carefully this thread and take a look at this one: http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=113980
and take your decision after (I can maintain a list of posters getting ...tired of answering, count seems 4 ATM)

To Bosko, to make it clear there are people just talking (and writing) and other acting AND talking. I am the last kind and I think this forum is about video experiences aka trials, errors and successes.
As soon as you will share your experience ( you had much much more infos, advices, pushups than any beginner in nearly 2 years) I will be happy to help.
In the meanwhile I'm out.

Did

Edited: incomplete post, my finger slipped :)

[Bosko]

8) No cross posting. Post your message once, to the appropriate forum and nowhere else or it will be locked or deleted without warning.

http://forum.doom9.org/forum-rules.htm

Dang, and to think I wasted time answering in that other thread, and now I come to find out BigDid has already set him straight. I wonder which one should get locked.

I appreciate the post.

I felt I posted in the wrong forum, and by posting in the other forum (with more specific questions that were to the point) I ended up with helpful detailed answers. So posting on that other thread was *definitely* beneficial to me.

I also listed this thread per BigDid's instructions on that thread, and stated that it was not meant as a cross-post. Perhaps I misunderstood his statement on what to do.

I also stated that I understood if you need to close this thread as a result of me starting the other thread. So I'm uncertain where the problem lies...

Thanks for the help though!

[Bosko]

I'll try to clear up information with that article you found.

I appreciate the straight-forward reply -- thanks! :)

[Bosko]

Thanks for not closing and giving me a chance to continue my invaluable contribution (joke) :D

I appreciate your help. However, I was having difficulty understanding your replies. I stated in the other thread the reason why I need information beforehand as compared to afterwards.

Next stop is me testing this stuff out at my friend's house.

Anyways, I appreciated the help!