Plans to make rebuilder into convertor??

[lilhobo]

Are there any plans to get rebuilder to be able to convert DIVX/XVID/Real to DVD with rudimentary menus?

[jdobbs]

Yes. I have a project started called DVD Prebuilder (DVD-PB) that will do just that. It creates a D2VAVS structure that inputs other audio/video files that will then go through the ENCODE and REBUILD phases of DVD Rebuilder -- resulting in a newly authored DVD.

In fact I wrote a lot of DVD-RB initially with that thought in mind.

[techreactor]

Aha! thats news, but @Lilhobo you can use another tool called DIKO in the meantime.

@Jdobbs, any insight into the release plans of DVD-PB

[linx05]

Yes, how much will it cost to get that? Or will it be included in DVD-Rebuilder like the mobile encoding feature?

[JohnGalt]

You might also check out ConvertXtoDVD (http://www.vso-software.fr/products/convert_x_to_dvd/). I tried the trial version -- it seems to work quite well, and it is incredibly simple to use. The latter can also be a drawback -- the program doesn't afford all that much control over the reencoding and dvd building processes; it's essentially a "Wizard." The registered version is 40 USD.

[jdobbs]

Yes, how much will it cost to get that? Or will it be included in DVD-Rebuilder like the mobile encoding feature?
Have I ever asked any of the VIPs for more donations?

[~bT~]

Have I ever asked any of the VIPs for more donations?

Nope but I'd still donate more if this new DVD-PB works well :)
DIKO is good but very buggy.

[robot1]

Have I ever asked any of the VIPs for more donations?

Your customer satisfaction policy is great
:)

[jdobbs]

I'm planning to first release it with limited capabilities and then add them a little at a time -- sort of how DVD-RB has evolved.

[archaeo]

jdobbs,

Will this project also allow AVI files to be fed to RB?

[linx05]

Have I ever asked any of the VIPs for more donations?
Just say the word and I will. This looks really promising. I've tried a few avi > DVD converters but they all seem to be very slow with the exception of ConvertXtoDVD. I cannot wait to try this thing out!

[jdobbs]

jdobbs,

Will this project also allow AVI files to be fed to RB?Yes. In fact I would assume that would be the most common input format.

[archaeo]

:D nice. been looking forward to that one

[lilhobo]

You might also check out ConvertXtoDVD (http://www.vso-software.fr/products/convert_x_to_dvd/). I tried the trial version -- it seems to work quite well, and it is incredibly simple to use. The latter can also be a drawback -- the program doesn't afford all that much control over the reencoding and dvd building processes; it's essentially a "Wizard." The registered version is 40 USD.

This is really good, it allows you to list the input files you want, then amongst other options, you can specify the TV settings: PAL/NTSC, aspect ratio 4:3/19:6, and the DVD size: DVD-5/9, and the internal encoder fits all files to the disc...

Drawback is it doesnt kick out to an external encoder.

It has menus and chapter allocation every 5 min or what ever setting u set.

for 3 x 800 MB DIVX5/AC3 i am getting 7 hrs encoding

[techreactor]

Just say the word and I will. This looks really promising. I've tried a few avi > DVD converters but they all seem to be very slow with the exception of ConvertXtoDVD. I cannot wait to try this thing out!

Try Winavi Video convertor (http://www.winavi.com/en/video-converter/video-converter.htm), its extremely fast, support 5.1 audio and the outputs are decent too.

[therat]

Until the release of DVD-PB you could try the freeware AVI2DVD. It gives you a choice of choosing an external encoder including QuEnc, HCenc, CCE etc. The first 2 are included in the package.

http://www.trustfm.net/divx/SoftwareAvi2Dvd.html

Very easy to install and use, and whilst not as fast as other solutions, the end result is excellent and IMO worth the extra time it takes.

cheers

[linx05]

Yeah there are a few. CopyXtoDVD, FAVC, DVD Flick ....

[~bT~]

Yeah there are a few. CopyXtoDVD, FAVC, DVD Flick ....

FAVC supports HC. :)

[rendez2k]

D2MP is my current fave. Supports most encoders but HC though!

[steptoe]

I use ConvertXToDVd as its one of the few pieces of software that seems to actually manage to keep audio in synch which can be a major problem when converting divx/xvid back to DVD

Plus handles HDTV video perfectly

I found just leaving it overnight was easiest and let it create the DVD files and use IMGBurn as I don't really trust any other burning engines anymore to do a good job

Bad point is no batch mode, I emailed them asking about this and their answer was we are more interested in adding more video support and minor updates. So thats a no then

There is a kludged freeware solution called ConvertXBatch that I have yet to try out, that was suggested by the guys that wrote convertxtodvd


I've tried DIKO and AVI2DVD, wasn't that impressed. AVI2DVD looks good but as a way overcomplicated, try to achieve everything interface. Going to try AVI2DVD again since just upgrading to AMD 6000 duel core and I now understand video encoding a lot more since using DVD-RB and AVISynth and CCE


Now I can encode in at least double the speed with convertxtodvd, so my next project with DVD-RB Pro will see just what a difference my wad of cash on the upgrade to duel core has made, plus use those super slow but excellant filters and fuctions with AVISynth that were a nightmare to use on my older AMD 3000 Athlon

Finding video software that fully supports duel core and is affordable to average Joe isn't that easy

[~bT~]

Bad point is no batch mode

This works perfect: http://www.cdr-zone.com/software/div-x_related_software/convertxbatch.html

[Mr_Odwin]

Just say the word and I will. This looks really promising. I've tried a few avi > DVD converters but they all seem to be very slow with the exception of ConvertXtoDVD. I cannot wait to try this thing out!

I wouldn't say that FAVC is slow - it all depends on the settings that you use (if you use VCD resolution and one pass HC then it'll fly). But the advantage it has over ConvertXtoDVD is the use of exceptional freeware tools like Aften, DGPulldown, Muxman (via Batchmux), etc.

[jdobbs]

Do these packages actually have their own authoring engines, or do they require something like Scenarist? When I have simple authoring to do, I still use SpruceUp... it has the simplist interface of any package I've ever seen, but it hasn't been supported in a long, long time.

[Mr_Odwin]

FAVC authors (very simple) dvds using Muxman. Menus are not currently supported but will be in the future (also very simple).

[linx05]

I wouldn't say that FAVC is slow - it all depends on the settings that you use (if you use VCD resolution and one pass HC then it'll fly). But the advantage it has over ConvertXtoDVD is the use of exceptional freeware tools like Aften, DGPulldown, Muxman (via Batchmux), etc.
I didn't mean to put down FAVC like that. For temp. jobs I might use ConvertXtoDVD but if I were going to do a home movie (something I would want for a long time) I would most probably use FAVC as it is easy to use and utilises the powerful HC encoder.

[rendez2k]

Do these packages actually have their own authoring engines, or do they require something like Scenarist? When I have simple authoring to do, I still use SpruceUp... it has the simplist interface of any package I've ever seen, but it hasn't been supported in a long, long time.

D2MP uses DVDAuthor to author and create simple menus. I'd like the option though to save out just the encoded streams to author in a separate program myself (such as DVDLab)

[archaeo]

Up to this point, I've been frameserving the AVI files from VirtualDub directly into CCE, since the AVI files are huge and I would fill up my HD with them otherwise.

I'm wondering if it would also be possible to set up this new DVD PB to accept frameserving as well?

[jdobbs]

First I need to make it work. ;) I'm barely out of the gate with it.

[Boulder]

And I'm sure jdobbs will be using Avisynth to frameserve. There's really no need to use VDub for frameserving even without DVD-PB..

[archaeo]

First I need to make it work. I'm barely out of the gate with it.

yeah, sort of getting ahead of myself there...:p


There's really no need to use VDub for frameserving even without DVD-PB..



@boulder: I use Vdub as a filter editor, not just to frameserve. Vdub provides an excellent interface for editing and is set up to allow easy frameserving to CCE. I do that to avoid huge AVI files on the HD.

[jikchung]

I have been using SVCD2DVD (http://www.svcd2dvd.com) for years for these type of conversions. It's an all-in-one package, as close to one-click as you can get. Load the .AVI's, layout the menu, wait a couple hours and you have a completed DVD. Very affordable (~$30 US) and the support from the author is on a par with jdobbs.

[jdobbs]

...and the support from the author is on a par with jdobbs.:scared: Apparently he never sleeps...

[jikchung]

:scared: Apparently he never sleeps...

It certainly appears so (for the both of you). It doesn't go unappreciated.

[somnus]

jikchung beat me to it but I was also gonna say SVCD2DVD. I've used it for a long time and it supports almost everything except WMV.

[lilhobo]

jikchung beat me to it but I was also gonna say SVCD2DVD. I've used it for a long time and it supports almost everything except WMV.

17 comments, Showing 1 to 17 comments
-

No direct way for subtitle, inferior output quality, watermark suck, limits for tryout. Free DIKO with CCE or DVD2SVCD still fast, outstanding quality, fast & reliable.

Posted October 21, 2006 by BachPhi. Tool version 2.1.2474 using OS WinXP
Ease of use 7 of 10 Functionality 1 of 10 Value for money 1 of 10 Overall score 1 of 10

http://www.videohelp.com/tools/SVCD2DVD



http://www.videohelp.com/tools/SVCD2DVD

[jikchung]

@lilhobo

There were 2 negative posts out of 17, one didn't even try the program, just complained that it was .Net based. Looks like the one you chose to display here was just upset that the program wasn't free ("watermark suck, limits for tryout"). Subtitles are picked up automatically if in the right format.

I have used DIKO and DVD2SVCD. Last I tried DIKO, there was not nearly the control over output as offered by SVCD2DVD and DVD2SVCD will not do menus or support multiple selection per DVD.

So, what is the point of your post?

[jdobbs]

So, since there are already all these alternatives, would I just be wasting my time continuing? Seems so -- no sense reinventing the wheel...

[buzzqw]

dvd-rb is a very good programmed AND VERY WELL FUCTIONAL program

i have no doubt (and so those that will download and pay for it) that your professionality will give a huge boost and request for this kind of conversion

BHH

[archaeo]

So, since there are already all these alternatives, would I just be wasting my time continuing? Seems so -- no sense reinventing the wheel...

No, not in my opinion. One of the great strengths about DVD-RB (besides the authoring support :)) is that it offers such great versatility - I don't have to bounce around with different programs. Adding support for other input formats (such as AVI) is very consistent with it's 'one-click' concept.

just my two-cents :devil:

[~bT~]

So, since there are already all these alternatives, would I just be wasting my time continuing? Seems so -- no sense reinventing the wheel...

Oh man! I was looking forward to something with a similar interface as DVD-RB which will convert my avi's to DVD using any version CCE or other popular encoders and not forgetting the awesome support you offer.

I'd pay again if needed..

[Boulder]

I think your record of tireless support already justifies going for it.. DVD-RB has grown a lot in quite a short time, just think about the time when you battled with the stuttering issues and look at where we stand now. So sky's the limit :)

[JohnGalt]

I'm only familiar with ConvertXtoDVD, which as I said before seems great but somewhat restrictive. Do any of these others (e.g. DIKO or SVCD2DVD) afford integration with AVISYNTH, for instance? Or better control over the encoder, matrices, etc.?

Anyway, no reason to reinvent the wheel, but IMHO ConvertXtoDVD is rather more a sled skid (or whatever preceded the wheel). Sorry, a rather contrived metaphor. :)

[jikchung]

While I would like to see DVD-RB updated to do this for the CCE support, I would say give the others a try. If they do all you wanted, forget it. If you had other ideas in mind, have at it. I for one would be hapy to make a further donation if this support is added (and yes, I am aware you wouldn't be asking for one).

[somnus]

I dont think it would be a waste, I'd like to see it. I'd like a one stop program for all my conversion needs. Plus I'd like to be able to use avisynth filters on some of my conversions which I cant do with SVCD2DVD.

I'm only familiar with ConvertXtoDVD, which as I said before seems great but somewhat restrictive. Do any of these others (e.g. DIKO or SVCD2DVD) afford integration with AVISYNTH, for instance? Or better control over the encoder, matrices, etc.?

Anyway, no reason to reinvent the wheel, but IMHO ConvertXtoDVD is rather more a sled skid (or whatever preceded the wheel). Sorry, a rather contrived metaphor. :)

SVCD2DVD does have the use of matrices but not avisynth, not sure about DIKO.

[dialysis1]

Oh man! I was looking forward to something with a similar interface as DVD-RB which will convert my avi's to DVD using any version CCE or other popular encoders and not forgetting the awesome support you offer.

I'd pay again if needed..

I second that!

[Mr_Odwin]

FAVC allows the user to add to the generated avisynth script, and many of the video encoding options are left to the user. However, simplicity is a goal of mine so not everything is alterable (to keep the GUI relatively clutter free).

[~bT~]

FAVC allows the user to add to the generated avisynth script, and many of the video encoding options are left to the user. However, simplicity is a goal of mine so not everything is alterable (to keep the GUI relatively clutter free).
Apart from the fact that your prog doesn't support CCE, I've never had any problems. :)

You say that you don't have CCE, wouldn't it be possible to use the trial versions to implement it?
Maybe jdobbs can help you out which will save him reinventing the wheel..

[stereo]

There's also The Filmmachine http://members.home.nl/thefilmmachine/

It works very well with avi -> DVD (or VCD or SVCD, for that matter), and it supports - at least - CCE and HC. As I recall it (I'm at work right now), it lets you edit the avs script. No menus, however. I use TSUNAMI DVD Author when I need a menu.

[rendez2k]

The Filmmachine gets very rare updates these days - recently found an issue with MKV files that 'will be updated at some point in the future'. Jdobbs - you should defiantly go ahead with the software. Although there are some good tools, I don't think theres a definitive, well updated tool with all the features people want. And your track record with DVD-RB shows that your willing to frequently update with peoples requests and needs. I'm right behind the project! As I've said before D2MP comes closes for me at the moment, but still has features missing...

[lilhobo]

look at the monster i have created ;)

i didnt think it was a huge issue if DVD-RB can use system codecs, vfw and directshow.

what do i know ;)

[Boulder]

I'd say jdobbs had better get used to weird problems if his AVI/WMV/MP4 conversion tool ever comes out :)

[jikchung]

I'd say jdobbs had better get used to weird problems if his AVI/WMV/MP4 conversion tool ever comes out :)

For sure. I get a lot of undersize results with CCE on these types of files.

[archaeo]

He seems to like those kind of challenges :devil:

[Boulder]

For sure. I get a lot of undersize results with CCE on these types of files.That can easily be fixed by using a matrix that is meant for high bitrate encodes or enabling adaptive quant matrices.

[wmansir]

Good luck, jdobbs. I think this will be quite a challenge. Going from standard DVD input (No preprocessing!) to the wild wild world of mpeg4 etc., will be interesting.

[laserfan]

I have a project started called DVD Prebuilder (DVD-PB) that will do just that. It creates a D2VAVS structure that inputs other audio/video files that will then go through the ENCODE and REBUILD phases of DVD Rebuilder -- resulting in a newly authored DVD.Guess I have to pinkle into the punch bowl here.

IMO the "magic" of DVD-RB Pro is in allowing users to easily re-make the DVDs they own, for some as backups (little kids maybe that trash the originals) but for others of us to improve the viewing experience by removing junk (warnings/trailers etc) so the DVD plays what-and-how WE want it to, not the marketers.

I'd rather see jdobbs focus on extending the QUALITY aspect of "re-building DVDs" by including some new automations for analysis and filtration. I've been interested for example in the "bitrate distribution" discussion--if DVD RB could automatically analyze a DVD and suggest filters for improving quality (bitrate, de-grain, sharpen, what-have-you) that would REALLY make it stand-out.

Making DVDs from (what, a gazillion different types of other containers that are out there) seems a distraction to me, and yes there are many other tools available...

[Boulder]

Unfortunately there is no way to automate the filter selection process.

[laserfan]

Unfortunately there is no way to automate the filter selection process.Sounds like fightin' words!!! :)

Seriously though, while I understand the need to visually assess a program's deficiencies and make judgements about what filters to use, it still seems to me that this hobby could use a program that makes it simpler to choose enhancements for their videos, and then perhaps even to easily share the enhancements that worked with others.

I keep thinking of the Photoshop-type model where one can select an effect and immediately see the impact (and then Undo and try something else if necessary).

In any case I realize I've taken this thread OT so I'll stop now! sorry... (slinks away).

[Boulder]

There is AvsP if you need a GUI for Avisynth's filters and functions, it's about the closest you can get. I agree that it would be nice to have a similar functionality in DVD-RB and DVD-PB.

[archaeo]

Sounds like fightin' words!!! :)

Seriously though, while I understand the need to visually assess a program's deficiencies and make judgements about what filters to use, it still seems to me that this hobby could use a program that makes it simpler to choose enhancements for their videos, and then perhaps even to easily share the enhancements that worked with others.

I keep thinking of the Photoshop-type model where one can select an effect and immediately see the impact (and then Undo and try something else if necessary).

In any case I realize I've taken this thread OT so I'll stop now! sorry... (slinks away).


Try VirtualDub - it allows a side by side comparison of selected filters, showing both before and after. I use it quite often, and it prevents me from having to go through an entire dvd or even a clip before I see what effects the filter has. It only outputs AVI, however jdobbs is considering adding the ability to input AVI to DVDRB. Until then, you can always do what I have done, that is to frameserve directly into CCE (if you are using that :))

[laserfan]

Try VirtualDub - it allows a side by side comparison ... I use it quite often...:slaps head: I have used VDub just a few times for this but forgot about it! :rolleyes:

I will also take a look at AvsP. Thanks guys...

[Boulder]

The problem with VDub is that it does an unnecessary conversion to RGB when you enable full processing. And the filters are definitely not as flexible as Avisynth is. Just take a look at Didée's SeeSaw script. Creating a VDub plugin out of that would be extremely hard;)

[lantern]

JDobbs, I would like to see DVD-PB! I think it would be a great addition to DVD-RB. I would be happy to donate again for that capability in DVD-RB. Thank you very much for all the hard work you do! I back up my originals to DVD-5 with DVD-RB and also to xvid for storage on my network. Let's me (or my family) watch my movies on any computer in the house. It would be much easier for me to just drop the avi file into DVD-PB and come back with a fresh DVD to play on a standalone. It saves the trouble of going back and re-ripping the original.

Thanks again!

[archaeo]

The problem with VDub is that it does an unnecessary conversion to RGB when you enable full processing. And the filters are definitely not as flexible as Avisynth is. Just take a look at Didée's SeeSaw script. Creating a VDub plugin out of that would be extremely hard;)


Hmmm I think the filters are just as versatile (or flexible) as anything I've seen in avisynth. And you can easily see your changes. It works well, period.

[DrinkLyeAndDie]

So, since there are already all these alternatives, would I just be wasting my time continuing? Seems so -- no sense reinventing the wheel...

I would have replied sooner but the way doom9 works with registration I couldn't.

Yes, there are other alternatives out there but I'd prefer to use something that you created. After using DVD Rebuilder Pro for some time now and seeing how well it works I'm more than happy. The ease of use is amazing.

I used to use VSO ConvertXtoDVD until I, sadly, became aware of the GPL violations in some of their software. Yeah, I know the quality wasn't great but it worked for DivX recorded TV episodes and allowed basic menu creation. Now I will no longer support, recommend nor use any VSO software programs.

Were you to create a program that could handle conversion to DVD format with basic menu options along with support for HC & CCE then it would be beautiful. NTSC to PAL or PAL to NTSC conversion would be nice but not completely necessary.

In short, I would be more than happy if you put your own stamp on a software program that did this because I think your program would be better than others out there.

[setarip_old]

@jdobbs

Hi!

I'd suggest that you check out some of the already existing programs, DVD Flick in particular (although it presently lacks menu creation capability), to help you determine if it's worth your time and effort to bring a similar program to the table...

[jolson]

So, since there are already all these alternatives, would I just be wasting my time continuing? Seems so -- no sense reinventing the wheel...
What is needed is a program with:

An easy-to-use mode, like ConvertXtoDVD (and DVD-RB one-click)
Possibilities for inputs like ConvertXtoDVD (mkv/h.264/avc, avi...)
Complete (like ConvertXtoDVD, with auto-menus...)
Flexibility for configuration like DVD2SVCD (at least)
Possibility to use good free and commercial encoders (like DVD2SVCD)
Great output result (like DVD2SVCD and many others, unlike ConvertXtoDVD)

ConvertXtoDVD sacrifies output quality for speed. The ease-of-use and completeness of the program doesn't in any way hinder quality, but the method for encoding while on-the-fly (if I've read correctly) going directly from a .mkv file to a VIDEO_TS with VOBs is optimized for speed and not quality.

DVD2SVCD feels a lot like DVD-RB. Easy to use, once setup, but also flexible and can also use HC/CCE. But DVD2SVCD hasn't had any development for a long time. For .mkv files, a VFAPI-frameserved "fake" AVI is needed (which can only handle VFW-compatible h.264 mkv files, not real h.264/AVC). Since FAVC now has started with mkv support, it may be interesting.

But there sure seems like a "market" for a DVD-PB! :)