BD Rebuilder Beta - Bug Reports Only

[jdobbs]

UHD question...

So I just did Infinity Wars 4K alt movie only MKV... I forgot, until after it was done, to change it from 1920x1080 intact to another profile to keep it 4K.. there isn't one..

Can I just edit the MISC\Alternate.txt file to add one?

Also, since Infinity Wars 4K/UHD is HDR, the output loses HDR and the color is off...

BUT at least it completes and looks good otherwise :DUse one of the NO_RESIZE options to keep the size. I'll have to check to make sure HDR is kept when outputting to ALTERNATE choices. I thought it would, but I don't think I tested it.

[m.rup]

I have installed Version 0.60.02 on a clean Windows 10 1803 System without other software and there seems to be a small glitch.
I selected "All Languages (all)" in setup, however, some audio tracks are cancelled.Manual enabling the tracks worked well. Rebuilder v0.50.25 handles the same projekt correctly.
By the way, when trying to preview some items, included version of Media Player Classic said "encode not possible". I had to install DirectX 9 to fix the issue.
The latest (and possibly last :() version 1.7.13 I installed worked well without DirectX 9.

[gonca]

Use one of the NO_RESIZE options to keep the size. I'll have to check to make sure HDR is kept when outputting to ALTERNATE choices. I thought it would, but I don't think I tested it.

Can x264 use the HDR metadata?
I don't think it can, so HEVC has to be used for that

[jdobbs]

Can x264 use the HDR metadata?
I don't think it can, so HEVC has to be used for thatYou’re right. I don’t think I created a “no resize” HEVC preset in the default set of outputs. My personal preset list has been modified quite a bit.

[jdobbs]

I have installed Version 0.60.02 on a clean Windows 10 1803 System without other software and there seems to be a small glitch.
I selected "All Languages (all)" in setup, however, some audio tracks are cancelled.Manual enabling the tracks worked well. Rebuilder v0.50.25 handles the same projekt correctly.
By the way, when trying to preview some items, included version of Media Player Classic said "encode not possible". I had to install DirectX 9 to fix the issue.
The latest (and possibly last :() version 1.7.13 I installed worked well without DirectX 9.? I haven’t made any changes to the audio selection methods... I don’t see how that could change.

[m.rup]

Sorry, my fault. I forgot to unselect "Limit to one track for each language". :o

[gonca]

You’re right. I don’t think I created a “no resize” HEVC preset in the default set of outputs. My personal preset list has been modified quite a bit.

I didn't notice any with vEncoder=1

[AmigaFuture]

Crickets making a sound, Oh... Shh.. Nope, that's Lathe....after that Parrot drink..

[gonca]

Crickets making a sound, Oh... Shh.. Nope, that's Lathe....after that Parrot drink..

Surely you mean his normal brain activity

[musiclover]

I imported a mkv that has 29 chapters in BD-RB. It is a concert with 29 songs. I want to make a blu-ray with a quick-play menu from it. But I don't know how to make the 29 chapters (songs) appear in the drop down menu.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

[MrVideo]

I imported a mkv that has 29 chapters in BD-RB. It is a concert with 29 songs. I want to make a blu-ray with a quick-play menu from it. But I don't know how to make the 29 chapters (songs) appear in the drop down menu.
Sorry, but there is no way to do that with BDRB. You need a professional Blu-ray authoring program.

[AmigaFuture]

Surely you mean his normal brain activity

gonca, stop calling me Shirley, get your glasses, binoculars checked.. :)

[musiclover]

Originally Posted by musiclover
I imported a mkv that has 29 chapters in BD-RB. It is a concert with 29 songs. I want to make a blu-ray with a quick-play menu from it. But I don't know how to make the 29 chapters (songs) appear in the drop down menu. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Originally Posted by MrVideo
Sorry, but there is no way to do that with BDRB. You need a professional Blu-ray authoring program.

Using mkvmerge.exe I split the file in 29 parts and imported these 29 songs in BD-RB. Now the quick-play menu looks good but playing the blu-ray it has a pause after each song. It's just a second or so each time but it makes viewing the concert less pleasing.

So, I guess nothing can be done further about it.

[MrVideo]

Using mkvmerge.exe I split the file in 29 parts and imported these 29 songs in BD-RB. Now the quick-play menu looks good but playing the blu-ray it has a pause after each song. It's just a second or so each time but it makes viewing the concert less pleasing.

So, I guess nothing can be done further about it.
Correct. That is the closest you are going to get with BDRB. A professional authoring program would allow you to create a song list menu, creating 30 playlists. One for a "play all" and one playlist for each chapter. But, the cost for a pro-authoring program would not be cost effective for a single project like this. BTW, I didn't suggest what you did, because I knew that you would end up going back to the menu after playing each part.

[musiclover]

Correct. That is the closest you are going to get with BDRB. A professional authoring program would allow you to create a song list menu, creating 30 playlists. One for a "play all" and one playlist for each chapter. But, the cost for a pro-authoring program would not be cost effective for a single project like this. BTW, I didn't suggest what you did, because I knew that you would end up going back to the menu after playing each part.

I set "Play items sequentially (don't return to MENU at items end)". So I thought that would take care of things. But it leaves a little pause at every item.

[gonca]

gonca, stop calling me Shirley, get your glasses, binoculars checked.. :)

Surely, you jest

[MrVideo]

I set "Play items sequentially (don't return to MENU at items end)". So I thought that would take care of things. But it leaves a little pause at every item.
You're right. I forgot all about that option. I do not know what it takes to author seamless play. jdobbs is going to have to talk about doing that.

Update: I think (based upon inspection of some Blu-ray releases) that seamless play requires the use of a single playlist. That single playlist lists the M2TS files that will be played, in the order listed. Each item of a menu will have a playlist associated with it. Once the playlist is finished being played, the "program" has to do the end instruction. That takes a little bit of time, hence the delay from the end of one playlist to the start of the next.

[Lathe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AmigaFuture

Crickets making a sound, Oh... Shh.. Nope, that's Lathe....after that Parrot drink.

Surely you mean his normal brain activity

Okay you guys... Now, you are just pulling stuff directly out of each others @.. uh, out of the ether...

[jdobbs]

I imported a mkv that has 29 chapters in BD-RB. It is a concert with 29 songs. I want to make a blu-ray with a quick-play menu from it. But I don't know how to make the 29 chapters (songs) appear in the drop down menu.

Can someone point me in the right direction?I can take a look at it. The question is how much work it would be, whether it will get much use, and whether the effort is justified by the probable usage.

[Edit] Interesting. I thought I posted about this yesterday right after your post... but my answer isn't here.

[Edit again] Ahh... it was in the feature request thread.

[Lathe]

I can take a look at it. The question is how much work it would be, whether it will get much use, and whether the effort is justified by the probable usage.

[Edit] Interesting. I thought I posted about this yesterday right after your post... but my answer isn't here.

[Edit again] Ahh... it was in the feature request thread.

Okay JD... no more of these for you...

http://lathe-of-heaven.com/shroom.gif

[varekai]

Me thinks cartonish is more fun in lalaland...
https://frupic.frubar.net/shots/36570.gif

[jdobbs]

Me thinks cartonish is more fun in lalaland...
https://frupic.frubar.net/shots/36570.gifhttp://lathe-of-heaven.com/shroom.gifI think they both represent my mental state very well.

[Lathe]

I think they both represent my mental state very well.

See.... we know our JD... http://lathe-of-heaven.com/yes.gif

[AmigaFuture]

"Wow, those 'shrooms are p....r....e....t..t....y...." I think JD also muttered.

[MrVideo]

I have 5 pieces of 720x480 16:9 MPEG-2 video that I've added to a Blu-ray. But, when played on my Samsung BD player, it believes that the videos are 4:3.

Here is the mediainfo on one of the videos:
ID : 1
Format : MPEG Video
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : Main@Main
Format settings : CustomMatrix / BVOP
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, Matrix : Custom
Format settings, GOP : Variable
Codec ID : V_MPEG2
Codec ID/Info : MPEG 1 or 2 Video
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 4 204 kb/s
Maximum bit rate : 9 800 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Original frame rate : 23.976 FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Scan order : 2:3 Pulldown
Compression mode : Lossy
Time code of first frame : 01:00:00:00
Time code source : Group of pictures header
Default : Yes
Forced : No
I burn the BD structure from the one created in the IMPORTS directory. A backup is not done.

What needs to be done for the BD player to get the correct playback flag?

UPDATE: Found it... sort-of.

I looked at the M2TS files with mediainfo and discovered that the AR was set to 3:2 and the frame rate to 59.94. That was a result of BDRB doing a VFR to CFR conversion. Why, I do not know. So, I disabled VFR->CFR and ended up with the correct AR, i.e., 16.9. But the frame rate was changed to 19.181. WTF? When that was played, the audio was correct, but the video was obviously slower.

Why can't BDRB just place the video into a M2TS container without screwing with it? Is there a flag for that? There is nothing wrong with the video files, as they came off a DVD. I used DVDFab to rip the files into a MKV wrapper.

[jdobbs]

I have 5 pieces of 720x480 16:9 MPEG-2 video that I've added to a Blu-ray. But, when played on my Samsung BD player, it believes that the videos are 4:3.

Here is the mediainfo on one of the videos:
Frame rate mode : Variable
I burn the BD structure from the one created in the IMPORTS directory. A backup is not done.

What needs to be done for the BD player to get the correct playback flag?

UPDATE: Found it... sort-of.

I looked at the M2TS files with mediainfo and discovered that the AR was set to 3:2 and the frame rate to 59.94. That was a result of BDRB doing a VFR to CFR conversion. Why, I do not know. So, I disabled VFR->CFR and ended up with the correct AR, i.e., 16.9. But the frame rate was changed to 19.181. WTF? When that was played, the audio was correct, but the video was obviously slower.

Why can't BDRB just place the video into a M2TS container without screwing with it? Is there a flag for that? There is nothing wrong with the video files, as they came off a DVD. I used DVDFab to rip the files into a MKV wrapper.BD-RB did the VFR->CFR conversion because the original has a variable framerate (which is illegal for BD). It just turns out that 19.181 is the average framerate. I have no idea why some people are obsessed with VFR -- as it really doesn't save that much space.

Are you sure the first conversion was 59.94fps? BD-RB would only do that if it had to convert it to 720p. I'm not sure why BD-RB assumed it was 4:3. I'm guessing, maybe, it lost it in the conversion?? You can force 16:9 by adding the following to your INI (see HIDDENOPTS.TXT):

IMPORT_FORCE_ASPECT=16:9

Make sure you reenable framerate conversion before importing it -- and don't forget to comment IMPORT_FORCE_ASPECT out or delete it after you import that file, though, so you don't ruin the next import.

If the framerate is variable, I doubt it came directly off a DVD, someone had to convert/reencode it first.

If you still have issues, send me a short clip (dvd-rb@jdobbs.net) and I'll trace it during import. I made some changes to the import algorithm recently and there may have been some unforeseen impacts.

[Mark_Venture]

You’re right. I don’t think I created a “no resize” HEVC preset in the default set of outputs. My personal preset list has been modified quite a bit.

Can you share a present to try? :) Please :)

[jdobbs]

Can you share a present to try? :) Please :)Sure. What kind of audio are you using, AAC or AC3?

But... I'm not sure if it will keep the HDR, I'll have to check the code. I'm not sure I considered ALTERNATE when I added that code. It also has to use FFMPEG as the frame server (to keep HDR).

[gonca]

For possible consideration
When using DGDecNV the index file (*.dgi) has the HDR data in it

[jdobbs]

For possible consideration
When using DGDecNV the index file (*.dgi) has the HDR data in itUnfortunately, though, that will only work if you have an NVIDIA card that supports HEVC decoding (which I [and possibly others] don't). That doesn't mean that I can't add the capability -- but right now I have no way of testing it. I'm also not sure how it could work in a version of AVISYNTH that only supports 8 bit colors.

[gonca]

Apparently there are some hacks but they are not good solutions
The most obvious way would be to use avisynth + (it has 32 and 64 bit versions)

[MrVideo]

Are you sure the first conversion was 59.94fps? BD-RB would only do that if it had to convert it to 720p.
ID : 4113 (0x1011)
Menu ID : 1 (0x1)
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Baseline@L3.1
Format settings : 1 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC : No
Format settings, RefFrames : 1 frame
Codec ID : 27
Duration : 2 min 20 s
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 5 034 kb/s
Maximum bit rate : 40.0 Mb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 3:2
Frame rate : 59.940 (60000/1001) FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.243
Stream size : 84.1 MiB (92%)
I'm not sure why BD-RB assumed it was 4:3. I'm guessing, maybe, it lost it in the conversion??
Not 4:3, 3:2. It considered the pixels to be square, which they aren't.
You can force 16:9 by adding the following to your INI (see HIDDENOPTS.TXT):

IMPORT_FORCE_ASPECT=16:9
Didn't work, still 3:2.
Make sure you reenable framerate conversion before importing it
I have no clue what that option is. I couldn't find any option with "framerate" in its title.
-- and don't forget to comment IMPORT_FORCE_ASPECT out or delete it after you import that file, though, so you don't ruin the next import.
Impossible. The options are used for the whole run, which in this case is five 720x480 files and a 1080p file. I'm assuming that a comment in the INI file is a "!" character.
If the framerate is variable, I doubt it came directly off a DVD, someone had to convert/reencode it first.
True, since BDRB won't read in VOB files directly. So, the first file I worked with is the MKV created by DVDFab. Looking at the VOB file with mediainfo, it declares the framerate as 29.97. But, DVDFab gets it right in that it is 23.976 with 2:3 pulldown. When I look at the VOB file with VideoReDo, it honors the pulldown flag and when stepping thru the video it displays four and then skips a frame. I used TSMuxer to create a TS file of the VOB file. TSMuxer declared the file to have pulldown. That file does not indicate variable framerate when looked at with mediainfo. But, BDRB still says that it has VFR. So, it also set the framerate at 59.94. By turning off VFR, it again did the frame rate as 19.181.
If you still have issues, send me a short clip (dvd-rb@jdobbs.net) and I'll trace it during import. I made some changes to the import algorithm recently and there may have been some unforeseen impacts.
I've sent you an e-mail with a couple of links.

The DVD VOB file should be able to be dropped onto a Blu-ray, since MPEG-2 with 2:3 pulldown flags should be legal. Actually, any VOB file on a DVD should be able to be dropped onto a Blu-ray.

[MrVideo]

A thought:
Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG Video
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : Main@Main
Format settings : CustomMatrix / BVOP
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, Matrix : Custom
Format settings, GOP : Variable
Codec ID : V_MPEG2
Codec ID/Info : MPEG 1 or 2 Video
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 4 210 kb/s
Maximum bit rate : 9 800 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Original display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Original frame rate : 23.976 FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Scan order : 2:3 Pulldown
Compression mode : Lossy
Time code of first frame : 01:00:00;00
Time code source : Group of pictures header
Default : No
Forced : No
When the items in RED exist, ignore what is in BLUE and just copy the MPEG-2 file without mucking with it. Or better yet, remove the 2:3 pulldown flags and output it as 23.976p, which is what I really want. But, the BD book that I have indicates that 480p23.976 is not legal. :mad:

Experiment Update: I took one of the files and ran it thru TSMuxer and set it to remove the pulldown and then ran that thru BDRB. BDRB left it alone. I then played it on my Samsung BD player and it did not care that it was 480p23.976. As that violates the BD spec, BDRB will never do what I did. That said, The issues discovered still need to be resolved, as other users may have come across this problem.

[Lathe]

I've never quite grasped the 1440x1080 thing... I THINK it has something to do with the shape of the pixels, I'm not sure. Is that natively a legal AR for Blu-ray, or if you import an MKV file with that AR into BDRB, will it simply automatically add borders to bring it to a full 1920x1080?

In other words, if I were to take that MKV file and run it through TSMuxer into a BDMV folder, I think I tried that before and my OPPO just stretches it horizontally to fill the screen instead of rendering it in the proper 4:3 AR. What exactly does BDRB do with a file with that AR? I've never been able to figure out how to place an MKV file with the 1440x1080 AR into a BDMV folder and have it play properly without re-encoding it and adding borders.

And if that AR IS legal for Blu-ray, then why won't my OPPO display it properly if I just mux it through TSMuxer into a Blu-ray format? Do I have to change some kind of 'flags' or something, and is that what BDRB does? Can someone explain that to me. I've never really understood that...

[Sharc]

I've never quite grasped the 1440x1080 thing... I THINK it has something to do with the shape of the pixels, I'm not sure. Is that natively a legal AR for Blu-ray, ...
1920x1080 square pixels resized to 1440x1080 and encoded with --sar 4:3 and displayed at DAR 16:9 is fully Blu-ray compliant. You can look at it as being an anamorphic format.
No need to add borders.

[MrVideo]

I've never quite grasped the 1440x1080 thing... I THINK it has something to do with the shape of the pixels, I'm not sure. Is that natively a legal AR for Blu-ray, or if you import an MKV file with that AR into BDRB, will it simply automatically add borders to bring it to a full 1920x1080?
1440x1080 is a legal 4:3 HD Blu-ray format. Therefore, all players must handle it correctly, IFF the video file flags it as 4:3. If it gets marked as 16:9, then it will get stretched to fill the screen (though not strictly legal).
In other words, if I were to take that MKV file and run it through TSMuxer into a BDMV folder, I think I tried that before and my OPPO just stretches it horizontally to fill the screen instead of rendering it in the proper 4:3 AR. What exactly does BDRB do with a file with that AR? I've never been able to figure out how to place an MKV file with the 1440x1080 AR into a BDMV folder and have it play properly without re-encoding it and adding borders.
What does mediainfo report about the MKV file? What does mediainfo report about the M2TS file that BDRB creates.
And if that AR IS legal for Blu-ray, then why won't my OPPO display it properly if I just mux it through TSMuxer into a Blu-ray format? Do I have to change some kind of 'flags' or something, and is that what BDRB does? Can someone explain that to me. I've never really understood that...
No idea. We need more info about the MKV and M2TS files that you are attempting to use.

[MrVideo]

1920x1080 square pixels resized to 1440x1080 and encoded with --sar 4:3 and displayed at DAR 16:9 is fully Blu-ray compliant. You can look at it as being an anamorphic format.
No need to add borders.
Actually it is not. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-ray
All Blu-ray HD pixels are square. Taking 1920 and rescaling to 1440 (anamorphic) is not Blu-ray legal. Many cable companies have reduced 1920 to 1440, but that is OK for that technology. It is not OK for Blu-ray.

[sneaker_ger]

The Wikipedia table just says "aspect ratio" without really defining what kind of aspect ratio. I'd argue it is wrong as it says

720×480 59.94i | 4:3 or 16:9
720×576 50i | 4:3 or 16:9
which implies display aspect ratio. For 1440x1080 display aspect ratio must be 16:9 also according to the source wikipedia lists (http://blu-raydisc.com/assets/Downloadablefile/BD-ROM-AV-WhitePaper_110712.pdf) (see 3.3.1). Also info on doom9 (https://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=154533) (table 1.3). I've fixed the Wikipedia entry.

[MrVideo]

Thanks for the clarification and fixing the wiki.

[jdobbs]

True, since BDRB won't read in VOB files directly. Yes it will via "Import DVD".

[jdobbs]

A thought:
Video
ID : 1
Format : MPEG Video
Format version : Version 2
Format profile : Main@Main
Format settings : CustomMatrix / BVOP
Format settings, BVOP : Yes
Format settings, Matrix : Custom
Format settings, GOP : Variable
Codec ID : V_MPEG2
Codec ID/Info : MPEG 1 or 2 Video
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 4 210 kb/s
Maximum bit rate : 9 800 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Original display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Variable
Original frame rate : 23.976 FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Scan order : 2:3 Pulldown
Compression mode : Lossy
Time code of first frame : 01:00:00;00
Time code source : Group of pictures header
Default : No
Forced : No
When the items in RED exist, ignore what is in BLUE and just copy the MPEG-2 file without mucking with it. Or better yet, remove the 2:3 pulldown flags and output it as 23.976p, which is what I really want. But, the BD book that I have indicates that 480p23.976 is not legal. :mad:

Experiment Update: I took one of the files and ran it thru TSMuxer and set it to remove the pulldown and then ran that thru BDRB. BDRB left it alone. I then played it on my Samsung BD player and it did not care that it was 480p23.976. As that violates the BD spec, BDRB will never do what I did. That said, The issues discovered still need to be resolved, as other users may have come across this problem.No. BD-RB actually looks at the PTS of all the frames to make sure MEDIAINFO is right. If it says the framerate is variable -- it is variable.

BTW: BD-RB will do what you said it won't (remove the pulldown flags and keep intact)... you just have to make sure you use the proper settings. I've mentioned numerous times in this thread that 720x480@23.976fps isn't a part of the standard -- but is supported by every player so I allow it. In fact, since you said "...and then ran it through BDRB. BDRB left it alone.", I guess that is self evident. Of course, on most players you can leave the pulldown flags in and the player has the ability to playback at the original FILM rate anyway.

I'll download your sources and check it out. I think I may know what change I made that caused BD-RB to misinterpret the source aspect on your 720x480 source. Not sure though.

The file import module (especially for 720x480) has become really convoluted from all the "adjustments" I have made for the stupid things people do when they reencode and post video files. I just ran into one the other day where someone wanted to keep a 4:3 source at a standard 720x480 resolution -- so they resized the picture to 640x480 and added black borders. Tell me how I'm supposed to adjust for that...

[MrVideo]

Yes it will via "Import DVD".
Doesn't help when trying to mix DVD content with MKV content, i.e., "Video Files."

That said, the way some DVDs get authored results in a piece of video that you want being contained within a multi-part VOB. Hence the use of DVDFab to extract content based upon the "title." This particular DVD had the special features in their only VOB. Can't count on that with every DVD.

[jdobbs]

@MrVideo

The problem isn't BD-RB. It's the output file from DVDFab. It is definitely variable framerate -- in the example you gave me there are over 1,000 instances where timecodes indicate missing frames (or other anomalies) in the source. When BD-RB looks at the timecodes and sees that the source is VFR, it then looks to see what the minimum distance is between frames -- so it can determine the true original framerate. There is at least one frame in this source where the timecode difference is zero. Since there is no "infinite" framerate, BD-RB selects the next best framerate, which happened to be 59.97. Even when I tell it to ignore zero deltas between frames, it still finds a distance that would be consistent with 29.97 rather than 23.976.

So... the bottom line is: don't create MKVs using DVDFab if you want to import into BD-RB.

[jdobbs]

Doesn't help when trying to mix DVD content with MKV content, i.e., "Video Files."

That said, the way some DVDs get authored results in a piece of video that you want being contained within a multi-part VOB. Hence the use of DVDFab to extract content based upon the "title." This particular DVD had the special features in their only VOB. Can't count on that with every DVD.In that case, import from DVD, and then create an MKV using BD-RB (with intact audio and intact video). BD-RB handles video titles correctly across VOBs. Then you can import all the MKVs together.

You'd just import the DVD, and then select the playlists you want to output to ALTERNATE.

BD-RB also has the advantage of importing multiple DVDs in a single import -- so, for example, you could import an entire season of a series (across 10 DVDs) into a single BD structure, and then, using the multiple batch function, create mkvs from all of them with just a few mouse clicks. I do that all the time. You can also set the minimum time variable, so extraneous material will be ignored.

[MrVideo]

No. BD-RB actually looks at the PTS of all the frames to make sure MEDIAINFO is right. If it says the framerate is variable -- it is variable.
Just what is considered variable? Nobody, that I know of, encodes MPEG-2 video for DVD other than at 29.97 fps, or 23.976 fps with pulldown flags for 29.97 output. In the sample that I've made available, the true fps is supposedly 23.976. When I have TSMuxer remove the pulldown flags, the result is 23.976 fps. BDRB doesn't complain about it being variable. If mediainfo doesn't say it is variable, maybe you don't check the PTS for variable.

On another project, a few of the files resulted in TSMuxer giving the following warnings:
Warning! Source stream contain irregular pulldown marks. Mistiming between original fps and fps/1.25(without pulldown) exceed 100ms.
Warning! Source stream contain irregular pulldown marks. Mistiming between original fps and fps/1.25(without pulldown) exceed 200ms.
Warning! Source stream contain irregular pulldown marks. Mistiming between original fps and fps/1.25(without pulldown) exceed 400ms.
The sample I provided has no such warnings, so I'm guessing not variable frame rate. So, I'm confused as to where the variable frame rate is coming from.

BTW: BD-RB will do what you said it won't (remove the pulldown flags and keep intact)... you just have to make sure you use the proper settings.
And just how does one get BDRB to remove the pulldown flags? What are the proper settings? So many settings. :scared:
I've mentioned numerous times in this thread that 720x480@23.976fps isn't a part of the standard -- but is supported by every player so I allow it. In fact, since you said "...and then ran it through BDRB. BDRB left it alone.", I guess that is self evident. Of course, on most players you can leave the pulldown flags in and the player has the ability to playback at the original FILM rate anyway.
I suppose I should have figured that since you didn't barf on 480p23.976 (like you do some DD+ audio), that you were accepting it.
I'll download your sources and check it out. I think I may know what change I made that caused BD-RB to misinterpret the source aspect on your 720x480 source. Not sure though.
As noted, it isn't just the aspect ratio. It is the mucking with the frame rate that is an issue. Telling it to not do VFR checking and that resulting in 19.181 fps setting and when it does do VRF checking and it produced 59.94 fps. So, getting BDRB to leave the SD file well enough alone, with the pulldown flags, would be great. I just do not know how to get there. Maybe the sample will help.
The file import module (especially for 720x480) has become really convoluted from all the "adjustments" I have made for the stupid things people do when they reencode and post video files. I just ran into one the other day where someone wanted to keep a 4:3 source at a standard 720x480 resolution -- so they resized the picture to 640x480 and added black borders. Tell me how I'm supposed to adjust for that...
You don't. You just tell the person that what they did was wrong, pure and simple.

[MrVideo]

The problem isn't BD-RB. It's the output file from DVDFab. It is definitely variable framerate -- in the example you gave me there are over 1,000 instances where timecodes indicate missing frames (or other anomalies) in the source.

So... the bottom line is: don't create MKVs using DVDFab if you want to import into BD-RB.
Did you look at the VOB that I included? Mediainfo does not indicate variable frame rate. For a test, I used VideoReDo to also make a MKV file from reading the title from the DVD. It too resulted in mediainfo saying that it has a variable frame rate. Maybe there is something wrong with the MPEG-2 encoding on the DVD and not the fault of DVDFab, especially when another program gets it "wrong."

UPDATE: I took the VOB file and had TSMuxer create a TS file, keeping the pulldown flags. I then ran that through BDRB and guess what, the frame rate is 19.181 fps. No indication of variable frame rate via mediainfo.

[jdobbs]

Did you look at the VOB that I included? Mediainfo does not indicate variable frame rate. For a test, I used VideoReDo to also make a MKV file from reading the title from the DVD. It too resulted in mediainfo saying that it has a variable frame rate. Maybe there is something wrong with the MPEG-2 encoding on the DVD and not the fault of DVDFab, especially when another program gets it "wrong."

UPDATE: I took the VOB file and had TSMuxer create a TS file, keeping the pulldown flags. I then ran that through BDRB and guess what, the frame rate is 19.181 fps. No indication of variable frame rate via mediainfo.I told you how to do it correctly -- I also pointed out why you had the issues... why do I want to keep pursuing a problem that is caused by something outside of my control?

I just used MKVMERGE to create an MKV out of the VOB. It indicates the framerate is variable. The bottom line is the source is corrupt. The 19.181fps represents the total number frames divided by the time -- which is a result of the variable framerate. MEDIAINFO can sometimes miss variable framerate, especially in atypical video files (like a VOB, which is rarely used without supporting external information). On a TS it doesn't even appear that MEDIAINFO even reports the "Frame Rate Mode". That's probably because TS has no indicator of a variable frame rate beyond the timestamps.

BD-RB can be forced to scan (IMPORT_VFR_SCAN=1) regardless of what MEDIAINFO says. But even then it will only do it when there is a "Frame Rate Mode" entry in the MEDIAINFO results.

[MrVideo]

You'd just import the DVD, and then select the playlists you want to output to ALTERNATE.
OK, I copied the DVD contents into a directory,
For mode I selected "Movie-Only Backup." Then I selected "Alternate Movie-Only Output." Within the list given I selected "MKV, Intact Video, Intact Audio" and saved it. I then did DVD import and selected a single title, the shortest one (which is the sample I provided). When I tell it to go, it built a BD structure. No indication of a MKV file being created.

Color me confused.

[jdobbs]

OK, I copied the DVD contents into a directory,
For mode I selected "Movie-Only Backup." Then I selected "Alternate Movie-Only Output." Within the list given I selected "MKV, Intact Video, Intact Audio" and saved it. I then did DVD import and selected a single title, the shortest one (which is the sample I provided). When I tell it to go, it built a BD structure. No indication of a MKV file being created.

Color me confused.The import doesn't create an MKV. It only imports. You then have to select an output mode (like ALTERNATE) and run the job against the BD structure created during the import. You also have to make sure the source selected meets that minimum times specified for imports (see Import/QuickPlay Settings). I think it defaults to 15 minutes...

Is the DVD structure unaltered from an original disc? I ask because the VOB you gave me isn't consistent with the DVD standard (since it has a variable frame rate). If you are trying to use that one, something has happened to it in between the time it existed on a disc and it was created on the hard drive, and it is just going to fail again.

Who knows... it may be some type of new protection scheme (though I doubt it). Since the timecodes are used to display output on the player, if someone manipulated a video stream in a VOB it just might not be rejected. But it would definitely fail to meet the standard. If it is a protection scheme, it is something new, because I've worked with literally thousands of DVDs during development and testing of DVD-RB and BD-RB and have never seen a variable framerate.

What makes it even more rare is the weird variation in timecodes. Normally BD-RB would catch the underlying frame rate and correct it during the import's VFR->CFR conversion. Why would there ever be a period shorter than the distance between original frames of the video source when encoding VFR? That defeats the purpose of VFR. I may just change the algorithm so that it would use the "Original Frame Rate" when it is listed in the MEDIAINFO output rather than the value it determines from the timecode scan. That way the craziness shown in the VOB you sent me would just be ignored. But, with the crazy timecodes, I'm not sure DirectshowSource() would even work correctly during the VFR-->CFR conversion. It may be forced to drop frames where the interval is too short.

[MrVideo]

The import doesn't create an MKV. It only imports. You then have to select an output mode (like ALTERNATE) and run the job against the BD structure created during the import. You also have to make sure the source selected meets that minimum times specified for imports (see Import/QuickPlay Settings). I think it defaults to 15 minutes...
Ah, you gotta click on "backup" to get the MKV file(s) made. Not obvious, as I wasn't making a backup, per se. Maybe the BACKUP button should be changed to CREATE ALTERNATE, or whatever output mode was selected. :D
Is the DVD structure unaltered from an original disc?
Yes. It was only renamed. Of course, DVD decryption removed as well.
I ask because the VOB you gave me isn't consistent with the DVD standard (since it has a variable frame rate). If you are trying to use that one, something has happened to it in between the time it existed on a disc and it was created on the hard drive, and it is just going to fail again.
Like I said, nope. DVDFab and VideoReDo used the disc directly.
I may just change the algorithm so that it would use the "Original Frame Rate" when it is specified in the MEDIAINFO output rather than the value it determines from the timecode scan. That way the craziness shown in the VOB you sent me would just be ignored.
That sounds like a great idea. Here's why. On another project (for which I do not have the DVDs anymore), I took the six DVDFab made MKV files and ran them through BDRB, VFR scan disabled. Every one of them ended up with a frame rate of 19.181. The DVD was released in 2011. When VFR scan was allowed, the aspect ratio was 3:2 and five were 59.94 and one was 29.97. All are 23.976 OFR, 2:3 pulldown flagged. I do not believe that DVDFab and VideoReDo are doing it wrong. I do not know what is going on with the time codes, but is appears that they can't be trusted. BTW, the DVD sample that you were working with was from a 2017 release.

Any idea on the 3:2 aspect ratio issue?