DVD to WMV What to use?

[unrealism]

I am kinda new to WMV encoding. I currently take all my DVD's rip them, convert them with Nero Recode AVC at 2.00MPS. I usually have a file size average around 1.5gb - 2gb. I noticed how unflexable the codec is however, I have to transcode just to watch say on my 360! I been reading for alternatives, and if I understand right the WMV1 codec is very similar. Anyway, my question is what can I use to encode my movies? I tried to use the Windows Media Encoder 9 but it crashes when I use my VOBs. Suggestions please...

Thanks,
Don

:o

[mrcorbo]

Try AutoMKV. (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=113811)

Despite the name it has WMV (as well as mp4 and avi) support. Make sure to read the first post to make sure you have all the required software installed.

[unrealism]

I've actually tried that, it seems to encode but when I play the file it jumped through the movie. Maybe I had something set wrong. Can you reccommend any "idiot" proof software kinda like Nero?

[Adub]

There really isn't any proprietary software like nero that supports quality WMV encoding.

Try using AutoMKV again, as it really is your best option. If you have trouble just post in it's support thread, and everything will be figured out.

[unrealism]

I figured out what the problem was, silly me was using it on a half @$$'d laptop and it couldnt keep up. I threw it on my Media Center Server 2.8ghz, 2gb ram and it worked fine, however here is another problem. I encoded a clip and I have lines around people when there is movement... maybe like a interlacing effect (but not the whole picture). Also maybe some advice on some settings to use would be much apperciated. Sorry for my ignorance.

Thanks again,
Don

:)

[Adub]

Try updating to the latest build, as buzz just updated the deinterlacing routines, which will hopefully fix your problem. And it is a interlacing artifact, so you were right there. As for settings, take a look at the provided profiles, as they are pretty self explanatory.

If you are not resizing, make sure you change the resize to NONE, also set your desired output size. Also, if you want, you can experiment with the filter drop down box and the AVS optimizer scripts.

[zambelli]

There really isn't any proprietary software like nero that supports quality WMV encoding.

Try using AutoMKV again, as it really is your best option. If you have trouble just post in it's support thread, and everything will be figured out.
That's not quite true. TMPGEnc Xpress is a good example of cheap proprietary software that uses the same WMV9 codecs as AutoMKV/WME9/WMCmd/etc to do its encoding.

[unrealism]

I took a look at TMPGEnc's website, and it looks like it only supports the MPEG codec. Im not a full 100% supporter of Microsoft, but the only reason I am considering switching to the WMVC1 codec is just to save on headaches when playing on "extenders" through the house.

About the other, I did find the Interlace tab and fixed that one. Worked like a charm. I been encoding some sample clips and they seem to be turning out decent. I got some more tweaking to do, and still a little worried about quality / vs output size. I want to still keep it in the 1-2gb range of files, but not loose quality more then what Nero AVC spits out. I assume the WMVC1 codec is almost the same if not better then the Nero AVC codec??

Thanks for the help, I love this forum. :)

[Adub]

The nero AVC codec really isn't worth the name of AVC, at least in terms of quality, especially with free alternatives such as x264. As for VC-1, it is totally up to you.

Also, if you are worried about quality vs size, try using a more "insane" profile. Frankly, if you are only want to keep it in the 1-2gb range, it is really easy to achieve quality encodes. It is below ~700 mb that you really try to squeeze out every bit of quality.

You speak of "extenders". What are you using exactly? The reason I ask it because being able to use x264 would be much to your advantage, as it has a higher quality to size ratio than VC-1 IMHO.

[unrealism]

I will probably be using a 360 at the moment being. I havent really decided if I want to throw another PC / or a thing like the linksys MCE. Keeping the surround sound channels is a must if possible. I think I found a good setting for the VC-1 for now, the only problem I am really facing is that when I go to select my audio, it only shows... "AC3 Audio Stream 0" etc. I dont get any detail as to how many channels, or language as in the tutorial. I have AC3Filter and ffdshow installed. Any clues? I will give the x264 a throw and see how it turns out. I just want to make my vids look good and as "extender" friendly as possible. By change does the x264 play nice with QT? I know that QT hates Nero AVC files unless they are encoded just perfectly.

Thanks a bunch, lookin forward for your help. :)

[Adub]

X264 should play nice with Quicktime. Use search, as there was a conversation concerning Quicktime and playing other mp4 files a little while ago that should help you. Let me see if I can find it.
Edit: Found it, check out this thread for streaming mp4's and quicktime compatibility. This is mostly about muxing to the mov format, but there is still some good information.
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=130765&highlight=quicktime+mp4

A guide for encoding x264 video for xbox 360 can be found here:
http://www.digital-digest.com/articles/Xbox_360_H.264_Conversion_Guide_page1.html

One question, are you encoding videos to be played by your xbox 360, or are you encoding videos to be played by your computer? Meaning are you streaming from your computer to your 360 or from your 360 to your computer?

[unrealism]

One question, are you encoding videos to be played by your xbox 360, or are you encoding videos to be played by your computer? Meaning are you streaming from your computer to your 360 or from your 360 to your computer?

I have a computer (MCE Server) in my front room on my samsung big screen w/ss, and network to my bedrooms with a 360 or possibly extenders. I am almost tempted to stick a jank MC in the bedroom, but trying to stay away from it. I got a couple of 360's off of ebay that I repaired cheap. So I was going to use those prefferd. Main goal I just want to keep it a simple and compatible format that looks good so in case I change equipment. Nero is very nice, I love the quality, but it is very picky on what it is played on. :-S I will take a look at those guides and see what I come up with.

[zambelli]

I took a look at TMPGEnc's website, and it looks like it only supports the MPEG codec. Im not a full 100% supporter of Microsoft, but the only reason I am considering switching to the WMVC1 codec is just to save on headaches when playing on "extenders" through the house.
It supports more than just MPEG.

http://tmpgenc.pegasys-inc.com/en/product/te4xp_spec.html

[unrealism]

Yes, you are correct. I must have overlooked it on that page before. Thanks. I am thinking I might just use cheap windows pc's for the extenders, they would be more versitle anyhow.

:thanks:

[Adub]

It really is amazing how cheap pc's are getting these days. Even cheaper with linux, as the OS is free.

You can get a basic setup, complete with mouse and keyboard (no monitor) for under 300 dollars online somewhere. Even cheaper if you build it your self with spare parts.

[unrealism]

most definately, I am a tech myself. I need to brushup on some things though with current hardware. I been looking at a miniitx setup, kinda confusing to me at first, but I think I am getting the hang of it. I found www.mini-itx.com, maybe I can get some insight there. Something that is quiet that is for sure! My MCE Server is sooooo loud, and I have it in my front room with my surround sound to boot. ACK! But when I get moved to a little better place, I look to put it in the garage or something and network it so I dont have to hear it roar! lol